Short-handed Heat rout Wizards, 140-117

Miami keeps playoff hopes alive with dominant win

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:23am

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A dynamic, neon-colored painting depicting the frenetic pace and scoring of a high-intensity NBA basketball game, with players' forms blurred into abstract shapes and splashes of vibrant color.The Miami Heat's offensive explosion overwhelms the Washington Wizards, keeping their playoff hopes alive.Today in Miami

Despite missing several key players, the Miami Heat cruised to a 140-117 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night at Capital One Arena. The win keeps the Heat's slim hopes of moving up in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament standings alive.

Why it matters

The Heat are in a tight race to secure a favorable position in the NBA's play-in tournament, which determines the final playoff spots. This decisive win over the Wizards, one of the teams they are competing with, boosts Miami's chances of avoiding the bottom of the play-in field.

The details

The Heat were without several regular starters and rotation players, including Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. However, the remaining Heat players stepped up, led by Tyler Herro's 32 points. Miami dominated from the opening tip, building a big lead and never letting the Wizards back into the game.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Miami Heat

An NBA team based in Miami, Florida that is in the midst of a tight race to secure a favorable position in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.

Washington Wizards

An NBA team based in Washington, D.C. that is also competing for a play-in tournament spot in the Eastern Conference.

Tyler Herro

A guard for the Miami Heat who led the team with 32 points in the win over the Wizards.

Jimmy Butler

A star player for the Miami Heat who was held out of the game against the Wizards.

Bam Adebayo

A key player for the Miami Heat who was also held out of the game against the Wizards.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out and take care of business, even with some guys out. The guys stepped up and we got the job done.”

— Tyler Herro, Guard, Miami Heat

What’s next

The Heat will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a favorable play-in tournament position. Their next game is on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors.

The takeaway

This decisive victory by the short-handed Heat shows the team's depth and resilience as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. Miami's ability to win convincingly without some of their top players is a positive sign as they enter the final stretch of the regular season.