3rd: Miami Heat (↑ 1)
A new era has arrived for Miami basketball. The young guns on South Beach have revitalized the Heat lineup and brought with it an exciting brand of basketball.
Coming into Orlando for the restart, the Heat are finally at full health. After being held up initially, both Bam Adebayo and Kendrick Nunn have both rejoined the team in the bubble and have participated in at least one scrimmage.
The duo has become a dominant force on both ends of the floor, combining for 31.8 points per game. On the defensive end, Adebayo has become a monster, eating up 10.5 boards while averaging 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals. If he keeps up this pace, Bam has the potential to stir up things in the East and claim the Most Improved Player award.
Derrick Jones Jr. will also be a key cog for the team in the restart. The young high-flyer has been a key piece for the heat, averaging 8.9 points per game while collecting 4.2 boards in 24.5 minutes on the floor.
Meyers Leonard, who suffered a left ankle sprain earlier this year in February, has fully recovered and since made an appearance in a scrimmage game. Leonard played 12 minutes in Wednesday’s contest, putting up three points and looking healthy and in-game shape.
With a healthy Heat team taking the floor every night, Miami is going to be a handful for oppositions. With a roster stacked full of rookies and sophomores who are all seemingly experiencing breakout seasons, look for the Heat to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.
However, the question becomes whether this young team can perform under the pressure of the NBA playoffs. Aside from Jimmy Butler and veterans like Udonis Haslem, Jae Crowder, and Andre Igoudala on the bench, there is not a lot of playoff experience on this squad.
Miami’s success is going to be dependent on their youngsters stepping up and producing on the biggest stage.