![Goran Dragic helped lead the Heat back into the playoff picture in the East. [Image via Blasting News image library/inquisitr.com]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/4/6/660x290/b_502x220x82/goran-dragic-helped-lead-the-heat-back-into-the-playoff-picture-in-the-east-image-via-blasting-news-image-libraryinquisitrcom_1255241.jpg "Goran Dragic helped lead the Heat back into the playoff picture in the East. [Image via Blasting News image library/inquisitr.com]")
Wednesday night's NBA schedule included several important games in terms of the Eastern Conference playoff standings. While Cleveland and Boston battled over the No. 1 overall seed in the East, the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets were fighting for a potential spot in the postseason. Luckily for Miami, their guard Goran Dragic came to play and helped lead them to a double-digit win over Charlotte. Here's a look at how Dragic and the Heat were able to get themselves back into the NBA playoff picture with a big victory.
How the Heat won tonight
It was guard Goran Dragic's 33 points that led the way for tonight's Miami win in Charlotte.
Teammate James Johnson had 26 points to help out while Hassan Whiteside snatched an astounding 20 rebounds to go with his 13 points in a double-double. The Heat also knocked down 21 three-point shots with Johnson hitting six of his seven attempts. Tonight's win tied the season series between the two teams at two games apiece.
For the Charlotte Hornets, Nic Batum led the team in their losing effort with 24 points while Kemba Walker added 18 points on 6-of-17 shooting. Forward Marvin Williams achieved a double-double with his 15 points and 12 rebounds. Unfortunately, this loss did some damage to the team's playoff chances, dropping them to No. 10 overall and several games away from the No. 8 spot in the East with only a handful of games left to play.
NBA standings & what's next
As mentioned, the Miami Heat win propelled them back into the NBA playoff picture. Miami how has a record of 38-40 on the season and is in a tie with the Indiana Pacers for the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference. The good news for Miami is they own the tiebreaker too. Next up, they'll play against the Raptors in Toronto on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
Eastern Time.
The Charlotte Hornets (36-43) need some luck over their last three games of the season. With tonight's loss, they're now 2.5 games back from the eighth spot in the East and seem destined for an NBA Draft lottery pick. They'll take on the Boston Celtics at home on Saturday night starting at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
