Can the Heat continue to stay on top of the East?
With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the focus has shifted to playoff seeding. The Heat currently hold the number one seed with a 49-28 record, winning their last two games. However, right on the heels of the Miami squad are the Milwaukee Bucks (48-29), Boston Celtics (48-30), and Philadelphia 76ers (46-30).
The playoffs are going to be about matchups whether it’s the first round, second round, or the Conference Finals. And if you’re the Heat, the win over the Celtics in your last game was something you can take with you heading into the home stretch. Just as the Heat were limping their way to the postseason, they scored a much-needed win against the Celtics who, in turn, have been on a tear as of late. If the two teams eventually meet down the line, their previous matchup was a good preview of what’s to come.
It looks like injuries, which were a thorn on the side of the Heat for much of the season, are no longer an issue. Though Max Strus, Caleb Martin, and Gabe Vincent are all listed as questionable, there are no major injuries to report out of South Beach.
After the Bulls, the Heat’s remaining games include facing the Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, and Atlanta Hawks, before finishing the regular season versus the Orlando Magic. Will they be the number one seed in an extremely tight race in the Eastern Conference?
Will the Bulls get a guaranteed playoff seat?
The Bulls, meanwhile, are trying to avoid the play-in tournament like quicksand. As other teams find themselves peaking, the Bulls have somewhat stagnated. They currently hold a 45-32 record, good for fifth place in the conference. They also have a similar win-loss card with the Raptors but could just as easily fall out of the top six and find themselves in the play-in tourney.
Fortunately, there’s a guy named DeMar DeRozan on Chicago’s side. DeRozan is coming off a 50-point performance in a victory over the LA Clippers. He shot 17-for-26 from the field, and was superbly efficient on the line with a 14-for-15 clip, on top of six assists, and five rebounds.
DeRozan has been the difference-maker for the Bulls this season and they need him now more than ever. Chicago will host the Bucks, the Celtics, and the Hornets, before closing it out with a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lowry and DeRozan
Another nugget in the game between the Bulls and the Heat is the matchup between good friends Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. The two spent a majority of their careers with the Raptors and now they find themselves playing key roles with different squads.
DeRozan is averaging a career-high 28.0 points, leading his team in scoring, as well as assists with 5.0 per game. Lowry, meanwhile, is the main facilitator for Miami with 7.5 dimes per game.
Expect hugs and handshakes before the game. But once the ball is up, you can bet these two friends will go at it.
Where to watch
Catch the Heat versus the Bulls at 8:00 AM on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay and Cignal TV.
