Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Why the Wizards Could Get To the NBA Finals

By Ben Mehic

Feb 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the third quarter at Verizon Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Washington Wizards 140-135 in third quarter. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the third quarter at Verizon Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Washington Wizards 140-135 in third quarter. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next

As currently seeded, the Miami Heat would be out of the NBA Playoffs.

Milwaukee is occupying the eighth spot in the East (32-34) and Miami is tenth (32-35).

On paper, the Bucks seem to have a significant edge over the Heat.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was an All-Star starter, becoming one of the league’s elite wing players. Khris Middleton finally made his return and will provide a much-needed scoring spark, taking some of the pressure off Giannis.

The Heat, though, are probably a better “team” than the Bucks, if that makes sense.

At one point, the Heat were rockin’ a 11-30 record and seemed destined for the NBA Lottery. They’ve won 21 of their last 26 games.

More from Wiz of Awes

Goran Dragic has played at an All-Star level, Hassan Whiteside continues to be one of the most intimidating forces inside the paint and Erik Spoelstra has milked all of the Heat’s limited talent.

Dion Waiters – a shoot your shot prophet – is averaging a career-high 16 points.

James Johnson and Josh Richardson, two basketball players with football player names, have flown under the radar, but have provided versatility for the team.

That momentum is dangerous.

Washington lost to Miami at home earlier in the season. John Wall and Bradley Beal both scored 40 points, but didn’t have an answer for the Heat.

They present a lot of match up problems. Dragic does a great job of keeping his dribble alive inside the paint and Wall typically struggles with staying in front of him. Whiteside has routinely dominated Marcin Gortat with his length, and while the addition of Ian Mahinmi will help, the Wizards will still be at a disadvantage there.

Outcomes in the playoffs are purely determined by match ups. The Heat are rolling, but unless the Wizards steal the first seed from the Cavaliers and the Heat take the final playoff spot from the Bucks, Washington and Miami won’t see each other in the postseason.

For the Wizards, that might be a good thing.

Home/Wizards News