NBA: Buying Or Selling 10 Early Season Trends

Miami Heat’s elite defense

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When many predicted the Miami Heat to be a potential dark horse in the Eastern Conference to take down the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, not many made that prediction because of their defense. If anything, most thought the Heat would be in contention in spite of that side of the court.

Instead, it has been their calling card a month into the season. The Heat currently have the NBA’s third best defense, allowing just 95.5 points per 100 possessions. At different moments this season, they’ve had the best in that department. However, will they maintain the high level of play on defense for the entire season?

Hassan Whiteside protecting the rim is going to make defending the wing a bit easier, allowing a little larger margin for error. In addition to Whiteside blocking nearly five shots per game, Justise Winslow and Tyler Johnson are one of the NBA’s best defending wing duos, and Chris Bosh isn’t so bad either. I’m not sure if the Heat’s defense will remain in the top-3 for the majority of the season, but they should still be a top-10 defensive unit throughout the year.

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