David Ramiland Wes Goldberg here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Heat podcast, with your daily Locked On Heat newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Heat and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Miami Heat’s Struggles Against the Celtics a Wake-Up Call?
Nov 15, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski/Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Miami Heat faced a tough challenge against the Boston Celtics, resulting in a blowout loss that exposed significant weaknesses in their lineup. Without Jimmy Butler, who was sidelined due to a knee injury, the Heat struggled to keep pace with a Celtics team that was also missing key players. Despite a brief rally in the third quarter, Miami’s efforts fell short, highlighting a lack of depth and consistency.
Game Recap: A Tough Night for Miami
The Heat’s performance against the Celtics was lackluster, with their defense appearing slow and their offense failing to capitalize on opportunities. Even with standout performances from players like Jaime Jaquez, the team couldn’t overcome the absence of Butler and Kevin Love. The Celtics, despite missing starters like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, dominated the game, showcasing their depth and resilience.
Bam Adebayo’s Struggles
Bam Adebayo’s performance was a focal point of discussion. Despite scoring 15 points, his shooting was inefficient, and he struggled against Boston’s defense. Questions about his offensive consistency have arisen, with some speculating about potential undisclosed injuries affecting his play. Adebayo’s inability to capitalize on size mismatches and his declining shooting efficiency are concerning trends for the Heat.
The Bigger Picture: Miami’s Future
The loss to Boston raises broader questions about the Heat’s trajectory. With the Eastern Conference becoming increasingly competitive, Miami’s current roster may not be enough to contend with top teams like the Celtics and Cavaliers. The Heat’s front office faces a critical decision: should they make aggressive moves to bolster the team, or consider a more significant overhaul?
Looking Ahead
As the Heat prepare to face the Lakers, the pressure is on to find solutions and regain their competitive edge. Whether through strategic trades or internal adjustments, Miami must address their shortcomings to remain a playoff contender. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining the team’s direction and potential for success this season.
Stay tuned for more insights and analysis on the Miami Heat’s journey this season.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trade Is it time for the Miami Heat to embrace a youth movement? This article discusses potential trade strategies to rejuvenate the roster with fresh talent, focusing on long-term benefits. (All U Can Heat)
Rumor An NBA insider suggests that a failed trade involving Terry Rozier could have significantly impacted the Miami Heat’s season. The article delves into the implications of this missed opportunity. (All U Can Heat)
Analysis In the absence of Jimmy Butler, Jaime Jaquez Jr. steps up for the Miami Heat, showcasing his potential and importance to the team. This analysis breaks down his performance and future prospects. (Sports Illustrated)
Opponent The Miami Heat were demolished by the Boston Celtics without Jimmy Butler. This game recap provides key takeaways and insights into what went wrong for Miami. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Breaking down the NBA Cup: Here’s a primer for the final night of group-stage games. (The Athletic)
Wednesday, Dec. 04 | 7:30 PM | Kaseya Center (Miami, FL) | Get Tickets
Suns @ Heat
Saturday, Dec. 07 | 8:00 PM | Kaseya Center (Miami, FL) | Get Tickets
Cavaliers @ Heat
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 6:00 PM | Kaseya Center (Miami, FL) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Dejounte Murray’s Poor Shooting Return To Atlanta
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
