Could the Miami Heat See an Early Exit in the Playoffs?

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami lost again Sunday night, and that brings up a lot of questions as to how they will be able to play this postseason. Miami has lost 5 of their last 6 games versus top 10 opponents, and this spawns doubt as to their maturity and ability to get it done in big games. Even more alarming is their complete lack of closing power to games. Their record in one point games is 5-13, one of the worst in the league. They can't close out teams, especially on the road. LeBron James can't seem to sink any clutch shots toward the end of games where Heat have a chance to win, and their defense has been a completely defunct late in tight contests.

Along with lack of closing, the Heat just can't seem to beat any of their strongest opponents, winning only 5 of their 20 games versus the top 12 teams in the NBA Power Rankings. This could be attributed to lack of experience within the organization, or it could be that they just can't rise to the occasion for their games versus top-tier opponents.

What we can take away from these things is that the Heat could possibly be in a lot of trouble right out of the gates once the Playoffs begin. If they end up being pitted against the Knicks, who they are projected to go against in a 3 vs 6 seed match up, they could be in a lot of trouble. This season, without Carmelo, the Heat handled the Knicks, winning 113-91, and 106-98. However, with Carmelo and Chauncey Billups, the Heat have lost both of their match ups versus the Knicks, 93-88 and 91-86. In both games since the trade, the Knicks defense has improved greatly, and that can be attributed to the efforts of the players acquired in that trade between the Knicks and Nuggets. If this trend continues to the first round of the NBA Playoffs, the Heat could see a quick exit out of the playoffs, and their high hopes of a championship run could be put back onto the mantle until next season.

The Heat didn't do much at the deadline to improve their roster where they needed it most, and that could also play a part in their success as the season comes down the home stretch. The only acquisition the Heat made around the deadline was the acquisition of Mike Bibby, claimed off waivers from the Wizards. This addition could provide some added defense and a three point presence, but they still lack a center that can truly command the post and play defense. It will be interesting to see how much this will effect them in the playoffs and as we end the regular season.

The Heat haven't gotten it done recently late in games or against the NBA's best teams, so it will be interesting to see what changes they can make to try and right the ship as it comes down to crunch time towards the end of this NBA regular season.