Heat Surge Into Top 6 in East

Miami's balanced attack and defensive improvements have them climbing the standings

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Miami Heat have won five straight games and eight of their last 10 to move up to the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Led by All-Star Bam Adebayo and Sixth Man of the Year candidate Tyler Herro, the Heat have been one of the league's hottest teams since the All-Star break, fueled by a fast-paced, high-scoring offense and improved defensive play.

Why it matters

After three straight seasons of having to fight through the play-in tournament, the Heat are now in prime position to secure a top-6 seed in the East and avoid the play-in altogether. Their recent surge has them knocking on the door of the conference's elite, and a strong finish could set them up for a deep playoff run.

The details

Adebayo has been dominant, averaging 22.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks over the last 10 games while posting a +14.0 plus-minus rating. Herro has also returned from injury to provide a major scoring boost, averaging 22.2 points on 50/45/94 shooting splits during this stretch. The Heat's revamped offense is now second in the NBA in scoring at 120.1 points per game, fueled by their fast-paced, unselfish style of play. Defensively, Miami has climbed to fourth in defensive rating, with the frontcourt duo of Adebayo and Kel'el Ware leading the way.

  • The Heat have won five straight games.
  • Miami is 8-2 over their last 10 games.
  • The Heat returned from the All-Star break on Feb. 23.

The players

Bam Adebayo

The All-Star center is averaging 18.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks per game this season. He recently became just the second player in Heat franchise history to score 10,000 career points.

Tyler Herro

The 2021-22 Sixth Man of the Year has returned from injury and is averaging 22.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game over the last nine contests on scorching 50/45/94 shooting splits.

Kel'el Ware

The rookie big man has formed a dominant frontcourt duo with Adebayo, with their two-man lineup posting a 127.7 offensive rating, 92.1 defensive rating and 35.6 net rating over the last eight games.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.

The second-year forward is a leading candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 50.3% from the field.

Dru Smith

The undrafted rookie has been a key contributor off the bench, with a three-man lineup featuring him, Adebayo and Ware posting a 115.6 offensive rating, 88.7 defensive rating and 27.0 net rating.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Heat will look to continue their strong play and solidify a top-6 seed in the Eastern Conference over the final month of the regular season.

The takeaway

The Heat's balanced attack and defensive improvements have them surging up the standings, putting them in prime position to avoid the play-in tournament and make a deep playoff run. Their ability to develop talent and find contributors throughout the roster has been a major factor in their resurgence.