{"time":1775625558974,"version":"2.22.2","blocks":[{"id":"mnplm1tq","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/ed734299-1540-4756-b4cc-1a4de71c4095/mp4","caption":"","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/ed734299-1540-4756-b4cc-1a4de71c4095/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"ed734299-1540-4756-b4cc-1a4de71c4095","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/ed734299-1540-4756-b4cc-1a4de71c4095/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/ed734299-1540-4756-b4cc-1a4de71c4095/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/ed734299-1540-4756-b4cc-1a4de71c4095/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"7kZyz5f5eV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"As the NBA regular season is three days away from its conclusion, the Miami Heat will finish in underwhelming fashion, competing in the Play-In Tournament for a fourth consecutive year. The team is coming off a 121-95 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, making the 10-seed a realistic final destination in the Eastern Conference standings. They were dominated for a majority of the game, especially in the three-point percentage, rebounding, points in the paint, and second-chance points categories."}},{"id":"0zSi8s53_c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The final stats:"}},{"id":"WACuo_Yml9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Three-point percentage"}},{"id":"WY8iW96U_H","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"- Toronto: 12-of-28 (42.9 percent)"}},{"id":"ymXhfGxg8j","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"- Miami: 12-of-44 (27.3 percent)"}},{"id":"lRjr-5vI76","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Rebounding (total)"}},{"id":"xv68VFyA5s","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"- Toronto: 56"}},{"id":"EpVWUmO-Je","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"- Miami: 44"}},{"id":"TKcL64QNUb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Points in the paint"}},{"id":"M7JYRXILCn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"- Toronto: 70"}},{"id":"puySut7cX4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"- Miami: 34"}},{"id":"omtmSrjJb8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Second-chance points"}},{"id":"ECWUqDR8Ou","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"- Toronto: 23"}},{"id":"Zjy8-awPy6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"- Miami: Nine"}},{"id":"a6JOCl9qye","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The game was one-sided, with a rematch lined up for Thursday. Since March 13, the Heat have gone 3-9 in the last 12 outings. They have a 15-ranked offensive rating, 117.1, and a 29-ranked defensive rating, 125.7, only ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies."}},{"id":"xxpCdZqe9r","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The roster was constructed to outscore and outpace opponents. However, there’s been a lack of continuity, especially with injuries to guards Norman Powell and Tyler Herro."}},{"id":"3K1tCL70zS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Heat’s chances of making it out of the Play-In Tournament aren’t as strong as in previous years, especially with the teams ahead of them: Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers."}},{"id":"TorPetccQ2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"After the season, the organization will have to decide which direction to take. "}},{"id":"7I-y6iJly8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Powell, Terry Rozier, Simone Fontecchio, Keshad Johnson (restricted), Jahmir Young (restricted), and Vladislav Goldin (restricted) are set to be free agents."}},{"id":"tNnQDiJ3Ib","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. (restricted), and Pelle Larsson (restricted) are eligible for contract extensions."}},{"id":"5hGw1VkvjB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Adebayo and Nikola Jovic are the only players signed to long-term deals."}},{"id":"oyE_p9aNIb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Heat have 10 players under contract for next season, but given the lack of talent, a trade will likely be the front office's route to potentially acquire a superstar. The organization has eyes on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could request a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks after a disappointing season, missing the playoffs entirely."}},{"id":"DiA3OkDowV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In recent years, the team has had a star in Jimmy Butler to rely upon, especially late in the season. The chapter between him and the Heat ended on Feb 6, 2025, which meant Adebayo and Herro needed to step up. However, the results in the last couple of seasons haven’t translated."}},{"id":"R-rHsBezLF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Heat’s lack of size has been an issue, despite reaching significant playoff success since 2020. Kel’el Ware is the only seven-footer listed on the standard roster, but he’s still developing, and it’s been an up-and-down season for him."}},{"id":"kybpnz4-N4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The roster needs significant revampification if the organization seeks to realistically compete for an NBA Championship. "}},{"id":"gZx1629NO8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Adebayo has proven to be a complementary star, but hasn’t led a team on a long playoff run. Herro’s lack of availability needs to be taken into consideration before a potential extension is presented."}},{"id":"-2H3B4sOIj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Numerous questions need to be addressed for the future."}},{"id":"r-xhRX8MbU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members."}},{"id":"0yUg2dJ-Ph","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!"}}]}

Anthony Aguirre

AnthonyAguirre@RTBIO

Sports Beat Writer

Miami Heat’s Davion Mitchell Downplays Case for All-Defensive Honors

Miami Heat Forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. Named Sixth Man of the Year Finalist

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Wholesome moment for Norman Powell

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Miami Heat Eliminated From Playoff Contention After 127-126 Overtime Loss to Charlotte Hornets

HeatWave Podcast: Miami Heat Play-In Tournament Hopes

HeatWave Podcast Ep. 13 (Florida Collab)

Key Takeaways From the Miami Heat's 143-117 Win Over the Atlanta Hawks

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Gabe Vincent Shares Story Behind Miami Heat Call-Up, ‘Heat Culture’ Introduction

Erik Spoelstra Discusses Miami Heat Double-Big Lineup Strategy

Miami Heat Sign Guard Jahmir Young to Standard Contract

Key Takeaways From the Miami Heat's 140-117 Win Over Washington Wizards

Miami Heat Waive Veteran Guard Terry Rozier

Erik Spoelstra Message

Are the Miami Heat Facing Drastic Offseason Changes?