Miami Heat's Playoff Streak in Jeopardy

The Heat face a tough road to extend their six-year playoff run amid injuries and a surging Charlotte Hornets team.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Miami Heat have been one of the NBA's most successful franchises, making the playoffs 26 times in 38 seasons and winning 3 championships. However, their current 6-year playoff streak is in jeopardy this season as they sit 8th in the East with a 29-27 record, just 2.5 games ahead of the fast-charging Charlotte Hornets. Injuries to key players like Tyler Herro have hampered the Heat's offense, which ranks just 17th in the league. If Miami has to compete in the Play-In Tournament, they'll face a tough road to extend their playoff streak.

Why it matters

The Heat's potential failure to make the playoffs this season would mark the end of one of the NBA's longest active postseason streaks. It would also raise questions about the team's ability to navigate transitions between eras and maintain their status as a perennial contender.

The details

The Heat currently sit 8th in the Eastern Conference with a 29-27 record, just 2.5 games ahead of the 10th-place Charlotte Hornets. Miami has struggled with injuries, as Tyler Herro has missed significant time due to ankle, toe, and rib issues. The Heat's offense has been subpar, ranking 17th in the league in offensive rating and 21st in true shooting percentage. However, the team's defense has remained strong, ranking 4th in defensive rating for the 17th time in 18 seasons under coach Erik Spoelstra.

  • The Heat's current 6-season playoff streak is the 4th-longest active streak in the NBA.
  • Tyler Herro missed the first 17 games of the season recovering from ankle surgery, played 6 games before a toe injury, and then played 5 more games before suffering a rib contusion.

The players

Tyler Herro

The Heat's one-time All-Star guard, who has struggled with injuries this season but has historically provided a significant boost to Miami's offense when healthy.

Andrew Wiggins

A veteran forward with playoff experience, having won a championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2021-22.

Norman Powell

A guard who is also a past NBA champion, having won a title with the 2018-19 Toronto Raptors.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.

A breakout star this season who could provide a spark off the bench, and has NCAA tournament experience from leading UCLA on a surprise Final Four run as an 11-seed in 2021.

Erik Spoelstra

The Heat's long-tenured head coach, who has guided the team to 17 seasons with an above-average defense in his 18 years at the helm.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to get healthy and stay healthy if we want to extend our playoff streak.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach (draftkings.com)

What’s next

The Heat have a relatively favorable remaining schedule, with just the 24th-ranked strength of schedule according to Tankathon. They also have 6 games left against teams likely to tank for draft position, which could help them solidify a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Heat's potential failure to make the playoffs this season would mark the end of one of the NBA's longest active postseason streaks, raising questions about the team's ability to maintain their status as a perennial contender. However, if they can get healthy and capitalize on their remaining schedule, they still have the personnel to secure a playoff berth, even if they have to go through the Play-In Tournament.