The Miami Heat (30-25) are looking to climb up the NBA standings. Usually, the NBA All-Star break is a chance for players to relax and get healthy. But with injuries, other players a tapped to play and make an appearance in a highly anticipated game. Even if the game or weekend festivities do not mean as much as they may have to fans, it’s still an honor. Players enjoy attending and interacting with other great players. Also, even if there’s a lack of team success, it is often nice to get individual recognition.
Could this latest news benefit Miami on a potential playoff run?
Miami Heat Eastern Conference Addition
Joel Embiid can’t play due to an injury. While an exact timeline is unknown, he’s likely to be back in a month at the very earliest. Although he still earned an All-Star selection before the injury. But the Philadelphia 76ers Center will make way for someone else on Sunday.
Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat has been given the nod! This marks his third selection. Adebayo was already selected before the news, but he’s now going to be starting. This is the first time a Heat player has taken the floor off the tip-off of this game since Dwayne Wade did so in 2016. Also, this year makes it two All-Star appearances in a row for the former Kentucky Wildcats player. His first appearance was in 2020. But after a three-season absence, he received his invitation last year once again.
It matters to players, and they understandably feel snubbed when they are picked over someone. To be able to play at this level you need that level of ego and mindset that you are the best. Some claim to not care, while others openly take it as a slight. Luckily for Adabayo, he joins a team that already includes the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Additionally, Jason Tatum of the Boston Celtics.
Miami Heat Season So-Far
Even though Adebayo was already named an All-Star, the team is somewhat fortunate to be in this scenario they are. The Miami Heat are holding on to a seventh seed in the Easter Conference at the moment. However, if they played in the West, you’d have to think that the play-in would be more of a certainty. Instead, they will look to climb up the rankings during the final portion of the regular season.
Although only three games are separating them and fourth place, things may get difficult. Firstly, they are playing without Jimmy Butler for now. He remains engaged in a personal matter with his family. Therefore it is unknown when he will be able to return.
Additionally, it’s worth noting which teams are above them. The New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Indiana Pacers look down on the Miami Heat in the standings. Although the Embiid injury may limit that team’s chances, the rest are looking upward.
Miami Heat Close To The Season
They start a four-game road stretch coming out of the All-Star Weekend. The Miami Heat start with the New Orleans Pelicans and come home to play in front of their fans for the first time against the Utah Jazz in March. This will be an important stretch.
If they can go around .500 for their first five games, the schedule eases up a little after that. However, any night especially without Butler is going to be tough in the NBA. But Erik Spoelstra has proven abilities to coach up players and outdo opponents through their intensity and attention to detail. Especially with Adebayo as your best player on the court for now, the defense will lead the way. But the first-time All-Star starter should be able to be an anchor for the Miami Heat until Butler is ready to return.
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