Miami has won two straight and sits tenth in the East at 2-4, a game behind sixth-place Washington. Over six games the offense rates 113.6 and the defense 117.2, and the next five games are all away from home.
Stops Missing
Two wins hid the real flaw. Over six games this season, Miami's offense rates 113.6 and its defense 117.2, a net of -3.6. Scoring 129 and 145 in the last two wins is not a plan. Getting stops is.
Starters Leak
The opening group of Thompson, Antetokounmpo, Wiggins, Adebayo and Mitchell has played 65 minutes together. It scores at 121.2 and allows 130.6, a net of -9.3. That is a small sample, but it is the group Spoelstra keeps sending out. Eric Nehm of Hoops Rumors published Heat notes today naming Thompson and the starting lineup.
Five Away
The Lakers come Monday, November 2. Then the Clippers on November 4, the Warriors on November 5, the Kings on November 8 and the Jazz on November 10. Washington holds sixth at 3-3. Miami is a game back and has 76 games left.
Giannis Count
Antetokounmpo is giving 28.2 points and 12.3 rebounds a game through six games. By our count he is 44 rebounds short of 9,000 for his career. That is about four games away if he keeps this rate, a projection and nothing more. No one on the roster is listed hurt.
Bottom Line
The win streak earned nothing yet. If the defense stays at 117.2, this trip will expose it. Miami has to prove the stops can show up against better offenses.
What is the Heat's record and seed?
Miami is 2-4 and holds the tenth seed in the East after two straight wins. Sixth place belongs to Washington at 3-3.
Who do the Heat play next?
Miami plays at the Lakers on Monday, November 2. The Clippers follow on November 4, then the Warriors on November 5.
