NBA: 4 Teams whose stock is trending upward, 5 whose is falling quickly

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 18: Kevin Durant #35 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 18, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Clippers 123-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 18: Kevin Durant #35 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 18, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Clippers 123-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro
Miami Heat Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro (Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports)

Miami Heat: Trending downward

After the offseason the Miami Heat had, in which they whiffed or missed out on both Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard, there was one thing that could somewhat change the narrative for the team heading into the season – and it was that the Heat needed to get off to a fast start. Despite the offseason noise, winning was the one thing that could cure all. Unfortunately, that didn’t exactly happen.

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Heat is 3-4. Jimmy Butler hasn’t looked like Jimmy Butler much this season, and the team’s retooled supporting cast has still left much to be desired.

The good news is that the Heat has won two games in a row. However, there are still real concerns about this team. Their defense is still middle of the pack and, at least for now, they’re still statistically one of the worst offensive teams in the league. The Heat has the talent to change the narrative and salvage the early portion of the schedule, but there’s no question that they certainly have their work cut out for them.