ASK IRA: Do Heat recognize victory in Cleveland was only a first step?
Q: Atlanta beats Detroit, Philly has Joel Embiid and Paul George back and the Hornets roasted us last time. It’s going to take more than a win over the Cavaliers for the Heat to prove it to me. – Theo.
A: Yes, the Cavaliers were without Jarrett Allen, Max Strus and Dean Wade among others on Wednesday night, while also playing on the second night of a back-to-back. So there is that. But the Heat also desperately needed the win , so there also is that.
Of their nine remaining games, the Heat probably need to win six to move into any type of comfort zone. Otherwise, you’re talking as treacherous of a potential play-in field as the Heat ever have faced, from the surging Hawks and Hornets, to a Magic team 5-0 against the Heat, to a 76ers team that by the postseason could be fully reloaded with Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. For as much of a longshot as it currently appears, it might be easier for the Heat to land a top-six seed and get directly into the playoffs than survive the play-in.
Related Articles Submit your “Ask Ira” question here! Q: Any truth to the rumors Bam Adebayo wants out? – Bob, Davie.
A: I have not heard that from anyone ever, and certainly not from Bam Adebayo, privately or otherwise. There is a huge, huge difference between outsiders speculating what a player might want and the truth of what a player actually says or wants. Q: Is this finally the end of the Tyler Herro in Miami?