Speaking of Spoelstra (Fizdale note in Knicks section) he’s doing wonders with what he has to work with. No team has been hit as hard with injuries as the Miami Heat. Factor in they don’t have a “superstar” (at least in his prime) and the fact they’ve won as many games as they have is mind-boggling.
The culture in Miami just refuses to allow the team to lose and it’s evident by their 10th rated defense.
Not sure I’d bet against them. Nor would I be surprised if they don’t remain in my lower tier for an extended period. Winning two of three in back to back weeks (seven and eight) is a good start to turning things around.
Miami Heat:
Offensive Rating: 25th
Defensive Rating: 10th
Net Differential: 19th
Points per game: 108.2 (22nd)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 43.4 percent (29th)
Opponent points per game: 108.5 (9th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 44.3 percent (tied 7th)
Home: 5-9
Road: 6-5
Back to back sets: 4
Versus the East: 5-12
Versus the West: 6-2
Week eight 2-1: Wins @ Suns, @ Clippers, lost to Magic
On tap for week 9: @Lakers, @Jazz, @Grizzlies, @Pelicans