Rockets @ Heat Preview

Early in the season, the Miami Heat were losing games they reminded us all in interviews constantly that it was “Only December.” They were right as they amassed a 0.698 win-loss percentage, which is good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference.

It is no longer “only December,” and they are currently 5-5 on their last ten and are on a two-game skid.  Their five losses have come in their last six outing. With each loss, the chance of securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs is growing smaller.

To catch the No. 1 Indiana Pacers they would need to rack up quite a few wins, with the Pacers conveniently losing as well.  The Pacers are on a three-game win streak and it looks like the stars may not align for the Heat.

They even are losing games to teams they should easily dispatch, like their last loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Things do not get any easier as they will take on the Houston Rockets this afternoon.  

Arguably, it was the Rockets who began Miami’s rut when they defeated them 106-103 on March 4.  It would be satisfying for the Heat if they could beat the Rockets and begin the climb out of the rut against the same team that started it.

The Rockets have a lot of momentum coming into the game, though.  Houston are 7-3 on their last ten, despite losing their last two.

The Heat are the favorites to win with a -5.5 point spread.  The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET.  You can watch it with NBA Live Play.