Preseason projection: 38.5 wins
Current projection: 45.4 wins
Evaluating the Heat requires looking past their 22-20 record, which puts them eighth in the East. Miami's plus-1.6 differential, along with the league's easiest remaining schedule [NOT starting tonight: at Peaceniks] according to the BPI, inspires confidence that the Heat have a good shot at avoiding the play-in tournament.
For all the focus on Miami's unorthodox new offense, which eschews pick-and-rolls in favor of driving and dishing, the Heat have stayed afloat primarily because of a top-five defense. If they can pair that with more offensive production and a healthy Tyler Herro Aafter he missed 30 games, Miami will finish the season strong and improve this grade. [No. A strong finish is not contingent on Tyler.]
