Preseason Preview

As predicted, the Heat are in the middle of the pack in the East. They still struggle offensively and the major question remains, will they be able to lure Dwyane Wade back next year? As for this year, with Wade the Heat are good enough to beat anyone for one game, but unlikely to win any seven game series in the playoffs. The Heat just fail to get hot, or cold, as they have not won or lost more than three games in a row all season.

Ready to Breakout vs. Reality: Beasley’s production has increased this year, but that’s primarily due to an increase in playing time. His numbers per 36 minutes are actually a little worse than they were in his rookie season. Beasley still shows flashes of brilliance, but has yet to establish the consistency he needs.

Over the Hill vs. Reality: Jermaine O’Neal has actually improved slightly from last season. His point production is about the same and he is blocking less shots, but O’Neal’s field goal percentage and rebounding have both improved considerably. In fact, O’Neal is currently shooting 54% from the field, the best of any of his seasons.

Worst Moment: The Heat have had two games absolutely stolen from them. On December 4, Kobe Bryant hit a ridiculous three-pointer he banked in while falling to his left to win the game 108-107. More recently, Wade stole the ball from Rajon Rondo of the Celtics and dunked with .6 seconds left giving them a 101-99 lead. Rondo though, answered on the other end with a putback at the buzzer to tie it and send it to overtime where the Celtics won 112-106.

Best Moment: Miami has beaten the Orlando Magic both times they have met, giving them hope that perhaps they can pull out a first round victory in the playoffs if it is a battle of Florida.

Best Case Scenario: The Heat meet the Magic in the first round and win the series. This success prompts Dwyane Wade to stay in Miami and lures another big name free agent to town.

Worst Case Scenario: Miami folds down the stretch and just misses the playoffs. Wade decides to leave town and the Heat are left to rebuild, only with nothing to build around.

NBA Midseason Reports