NBA: Which teams will earn the final three playoff spots in the East?

Miami Heat (26-30)

Current Standing: 9th

Remaining Schedule Strength: 7th 

There’s no question that the Miami Heat have had a disappointing season, considering this roster and their expectations heading into the start of the year. I don’t think anyone expected the Heat to be a top 4 seed in the East, but with the amount of money they have invested in this roster, you have to be better than 9th at this point in the season.

Goran Dragic has been injured for a good chunk of the season, and will likely make his return sooner rather than later, but this team still lacks a star. And makes them missing on Jimmy Butler earlier this year even more difficult to get over.

The Heat have a difficult schedule to close the year, and don’t have a star to lean on in crunch time. Perhaps Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow continue to develop into that, but I have a hard time believing that this team is primed for a playoff appearance.