6. Miami Heat (2-1)
The Miami Heat have only lost one game to the Charlotte Hornets, and on the road, but for some reason that Game 3 loss feels like something more. I’m not sure if the entire series has changed on that one game, but it kind of feels that way.
Then again, if the Heat come out and shoot another blistering 50 percent from the field then Game 3 isn’t going to matter in the grand scheme of things.
Game 4 is huge for both teams. I’m sure the Heat would much rather head back to Miami with a 3-1 series lead, with the chance at closing it out in Game 5. If the Hornets can come away with a series-tying victory Monday night, then this is an entirely new series.
And, with a possible Nic Batum return on the horizon.
Next: Los Angeles Clippers