Miami Heat Aim to Avoid Play-in Tournament

Team looks to secure top-6 playoff spot in final 20 games of season

Mar. 4, 2026 at 7:35am

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The Miami Heat, currently in the 8th seed and tied with the Orlando Magic, are determined to avoid a fourth straight appearance in the NBA's Play-in Tournament. With 20 games left, the Heat are only half a game out of the 6th seed and have a lighter schedule than the Magic down the stretch. Coach Erik Spoelstra is pushing his young team to find the consistency and competitiveness needed to secure a top-6 playoff spot and avoid the stigma of the Play-in Tournament.

Why it matters

Making the Play-in Tournament has become a source of frustration for the Heat, who see themselves as a better team than their recent Play-in appearances suggest. Avoiding the Play-in would not only boost the team's confidence, but also spare them from the added pressure and difficulty of the Play-in format as they aim for a deeper playoff run.

The details

The Heat currently sit in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, tied with the Orlando Magic but losing the tiebreaker. However, they are only half a game behind the 6th-seeded Philadelphia 76ers, who recently lost star center Joel Embiid to injury. The Heat have a favorable remaining schedule, with five games against tanking teams and matchups against middling squads like Milwaukee and Atlanta. If the Heat can win those games and split their remaining contests against tougher opponents, they believe they can reach 43-44 wins, which should be enough to secure a top-6 playoff spot.

  • The Heat have 20 games remaining in the regular season.
  • The Heat play the Brooklyn Nets in a two-game set starting on Thursday, March 7.
  • The Heat have three remaining games against the Washington Wizards and one against the Indiana Pacers.
  • The Heat have two games each against the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors.
  • The Heat have one remaining game each against the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons.

The players

Bam Adebayo

The Heat's All-Star center and team captain, who has expressed his frustration with the team's recent Play-in Tournament appearances.

Erik Spoelstra

The Heat's head coach, who is pushing his young team to find the consistency and competitiveness needed to secure a top-6 playoff spot and avoid the Play-in Tournament.

Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers' star center, who is currently sidelined with an injury, potentially opening the door for the Heat to overtake the 76ers in the standings.

Franz Wagner

The Orlando Magic's versatile forward, who may miss extended time due to injury, potentially impacting the Magic's ability to hold onto the 7th seed.

Jalen Suggs

The Orlando Magic's inconsistent guard, whose availability could also impact the team's playoff positioning.

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What they’re saying

“I don't wanna be in this sh*t no more. We're better than being in the play-in in the last 4 years.”

— Bam Adebayo

“I like the pressure for this group. I think we need that pressure to kick us into another gear. There's going to be a lot of pressure in these games. A lot of clutch moments. Close games. A lot of emotion. I know we have a lot of competitors in that locker room. I'm banking on that bringing out a better version of ourselves. We have everything we need - a high-powered offense, and a defense that can be as good as any in the league. But we need to put it together, particularly in the moments of truth.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.