Heat focus on ‘big game’ against the Orlando Magic

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 31: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dunks the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on January 31, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) (Megan Briggs, 2024 Megan Briggs)

MIAMI – The Miami Heat have a big game against their in-state rival the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

The Magic have a one-game lead over the Heat in the Playoff race.

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Miami, 26-24, are currently the No. 8 seed in the East and would play in the play-in game.

The Heat had a 2-game winning streak before losing to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

At shootaround, guard Tyler Herro said, “It’s a big game us being at home obviously and being 1 or 2 games behind them in the standings. We’re not where we want to be in the standings right now... Try to lock in and get these wins before we head to All-Star Break.”

Captain Bam Adebayo added, “I feel that’s the most important thing, the tie-breaker where it depends on seeding down the line. You don’t want to look back if we would’ve won that game, something could have been different.”

Guard Josh Richardson said, “For us every win is super important. Our record isn’t where we want it to be at. But we know, it’s a process, it’s a long season.”

After playing Orlando, the Heat play Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on Wednesday night at the Kaseya Center.


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