Miami’s upcoming games will take a full team effort, mentally preparing for the challenges that come as they host the Lakers, and then hit the road for another four games, facing the Grizzlies, Hawks, Spurs and Hornets.
The Lakers have an improved roster from last season, length and size from their new additions will be a theme for the Heat’s undersized roster. Battles on the boards will have to be relentless, paint protection will be vital, and their perimeter defense must improve.
The Heat's 39% three-point shooting is top six in the league and they are seventh in free throw percentage. Getting to the free throw line is key for players such as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, they both have done well getting to the line in each game they’ve played in so far.
Not only does the defense have to be better, but also their rotations have to improve if they are going to hold onto leads and their pace of play that’s set during offensive runs. Too much defense on the court can be dangerous for Miami if they only have one ball-handler or scorer on the court. With the Heat’s lack of fire power, you can’t expect the role payers to hit shots at an efficient rate while two of Butler, Herro and Adebayo sit.
Going into this week, we’ll likely see more of Haywood Highsmith starting. Highsmith is a valuable player in this lineup defensively, but it’s his improved three-point shooting that’s been helping him see the floor more. It’s beginning to look like he’ll be kept in the starting lineup if he can continue his efficient shooting.
Overall, the team still has a lot of work to do. Thankfully the entire team knows this and they’ll make their adjustments accordingly, Erik Spoelstra is still seeing which lineups and rotations work as well. Miami has yet to win a game on the road this season, now is their opportunity to change that.
Hoping they come out strong in the road! Trouble if not