Miami Heat lost their last game against the New York Knicks at home, and it was one of the most disappointing losses of the season. The Knicks didn't have Carmelo Anthony or Derrick Rose, and the Heat beat them in New York just two nights before in a blowout game. However, the Heat were not strong enough to win another game against the Knicks, and they failed to get to .500 record once again.
Next Heat game is against the Denver Nuggets, who are also looking to make a playoff push. The Nuggets are 35-40 this season and have lost three straight games.
At the moment, they are 2.5 games behind the eighth seed, and a loss tonight would be too costly for them.
Miami Heat have to bounce back
Miami Heat have been one of the best NBA teams in the second half of the season, but they haven't played really well lately as they were 5-5 in their last ten games. The biggest reason for their struggles is the absence of Dion Waiters, who might be out for the rest of the season.
The Heat simply cannot afford to lose the game tonight as they would get out of playoff picture. On the other side, a win tonight would give them a sole possession of the seventh seed in the East, and they would be only 1.5 games behind the sixth seed. Miami will have a home-court advantage tonight, and they have to use it to beat the struggling Nuggets, who are always a dangerous opponent.
Heat's schedule will get tougher after the Nuggets game
After hosting the Denver Nuggets, Miami will go on a 3-game road trip that includes two playoff teams. They will conclude the season with two games at home, and both of them will be very tough as they will host the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards. What makes their schedule even harder is a back-to-back game they will have against the Wizards in Washington, and it is uncertain if they can end the road trip with an active record.
Considering that the Miami Heat will face five straight playoff teams at the end of their season, beating the Nuggets tonight is a top priority. They are the easiest opponent the Heat have on the schedule and losing to them would knock Miami out of playoff picture, and they most likely couldn't get back into it.
