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 Gets Signature Win Over Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) defends Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half at Kaseya Center. | Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Hello, Heat fans! Let’s chat about the Miami Heat’s recent triumphs and what’s been going on with the team. Here are the main takeaways from the first part of the latest episode of Locked on Heat:
- Winning Basketball: The Heat have been on fire, winning three straight games, including Sunday’s notable victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who had the best record in the NBA at the time. This marks their best stretch of basketball this season, by far. While you could look at Miami’s recent wins and poke holes in how they accomplished them - beating a hapless Lakers team, facing the Suns without Kevin Durant, or how the Cavs were missing Evan Mobley during the second half - the reality is that the Heat are taking advantage of opportunities to string together solid victories over good teams.
- Key Players Stepping Up: Tyler Herro was a standout with 34 points, including a massive 19-point third quarter. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo also played crucial roles, with Bam showing improved confidence in his mid-range shots. After a rocky start to the season, Adebayo has seemed more fluid in his offense approach. It’s hard to say that he’s “back” and whatever that might entail, but he certainly seems to be much more reliable in establishing himself as a complementary scorer.
- Rebounding Dominance: Miami’s rebounding was a game-changer, outscoring Cleveland 19 to 10 in second-chance points. This effort was pivotal in maintaining their lead throughout the game, with several players contributing to an aggressive approach to grabbing boards and limiting Cleveland’s opportunities.
- Dru Smith’s Impact: Smith has emerged as a key player, and especially in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win. His defensive prowess and ability to make crucial plays have solidified his spot in the rotation. Smith has battled against a reputation for being a marginal player, and perhaps one undeserving of an NBA contract. But he has rewarded the team’s faith in him by making “winning” plays on both sides of the ball, and has likely earned increased playing time as a result.
- Team Health and Consistency: The Heat are finally healthy, allowing them to capitalize on their schedule. This consistency is a refreshing change from past seasons plagued by injuries.
- Upcoming Challenges: With a favorable schedule ahead, including games against less formidable opponents, the Heat have a real chance to extend their winning streak.
The Heat are showing resilience and a newfound consistency that could set the tone for the rest of the season. Keep an eye on how they handle upcoming games and whether they can maintain this momentum.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth period at Chase Center. | David Gonzales/David Gonzales-Imagn Images
For all its advancements, from athlete autonomy down to the way the game itself gets played, the NBA hasn’t managed to solve one of its most nagging longevity problems: that all dynasties are destined to fall apart.
Maybe it’s their inherent weight. That a handful of stars stuck together force an unstable gravity not meant to last. Maybe it’s the strain that every relationship faces — but sped up in the NBA uniquely accelerated time signature — as time goes by and people, their circumstance, change. It could be egos, or the financial practicalities of keeping an expensive roster together; it might be because of duelling timelines and the reality that no matter how good, no team at this level can put off development of future rosters forever.
Whatever it was for dynasties of the past, now dusted, it’s a combination of everything for these current Warriors.
Whether you viewed it as a culture loss or reset, Klay Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks was the first chip in this Golden State dynasty’s foundation. Certainly, Thompson’s absence meant more room for next-gen talent of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to flourish on the floor. It also forced a twosome in leadership between Steph Curry and Draymond Green, versus the triangular model the former Splash Brother lent, though Curry’s shouldered more of the directional responsibilities this season and the strain is beginning to show.
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
Analysis Discover the three crucial players who were instrumental in the Miami Heat’s recent victory, showcasing their performances and contributions to the win.
Analysis Is it time to credit Erik Spoelstra for the Miami Heat’s lineup adjustments? This insightful piece delves into the strategic decisions made by the coach. (Sports Illustrated)
Biz NBA Trade Deadline eligibility: These 85 players can be traded as of December 15. (ESPN)
Milestones Chris Paul surpasses Jason Kidd for 2nd in career NBA assists. (NBA.com)
Analysis Jonathan Kuminga makes his case with a career-best night of 33 points. (Defector)
Ticket Booth
Presented by
Raptors @ Heat
Thursday, Dec. 12 | 7:30PM | Kaseya Center, Miami, FL | Get Tickets
Heat @ Pistons
Monday, Dec. 16 | 7:00PM | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI | Get Tickets
Thunder @ Heat
Friday, Dec. 20 | 8:00PM | Kaseya Center, Miami, FL | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Joel Embiid Returns Sunday - All The Fantasy Basketball Impact
Dec 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) smiles during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid’s Return and Fantasy Implications
As the NBA season unfolds, Joel Embiid’s return to the court has been a focal point for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Embiid, despite being on a minutes restriction, delivered an impressive performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds. However, his recurring knee issues remain a concern for fantasy managers. The potential for swelling and soreness could lead to more missed games, making him a risky asset. While his numbers are undeniably strong, the uncertainty surrounding his health suggests a cautious approach for those considering him in trades or drafts.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls: Key Performances
The Philadelphia 76ers’ clash with the Chicago Bulls highlighted several noteworthy performances. Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. His ability to thrive alongside Embiid is crucial for the 76ers’ success and offers a promising outlook for fantasy managers. On the Bulls’ side, Zach LaVine’s resurgence with 30 points and six triples was a standout, especially after a dip in usage in previous games. However, Nikola Vučević's recent struggles, with only 13 points in consecutive games, raise questions about his role and effectiveness moving forward.
The game also shed light on the fluctuating roles within the Bulls’ lineup. Ayo Dosunmu, who recently had a breakout game, saw his production dip with the return of key players. This pattern of inconsistency is a reminder of the volatility in fantasy basketball, where player value can shift rapidly based on team dynamics and injuries.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyrese Maxey’s performance and future potential
- Zach LaVine’s resurgence and its impact on the Bulls
- The role of Ayo Dosunmu in the Bulls’ lineup
- Injury updates and their implications for fantasy rosters
- Strategies for managing player rotations and streaming options
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Heat podcasts.
Can Miami Heat Maintain Momentum After Cleveland Cavaliers Win? Can the Miami Heat maintain their momentum after a stunning victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers? With Tyler Herro’s explosive 34-point performance and Jimmy Butler’s consistent play, the Heat are making waves in the NBA. Explore how the Miami Heat’s recent triumph against the Cavaliers showcases their evolving strategy and key player contributions. Wes Goldberg and David Ramil break down the impact of Bam Adebayo’s defensive prowess and Dru Smith’s emerging role. The discussion also touches on Nikola Jovic’s current standing in the rotation and coach Erik Spoelstra’s tactical decisions.
Heat Offense Erups, Lakers Meltdown, Herro Kickstarts All-Star Campaign The Miami Heat blew out the Los Angeles Lakers in Miami on Wednesday night, forcing LeBron James, Anthony Davis and JJ Redick to take a hard look in the mirror. Meanwhile, Tyler Herro went off for 31 points, including making seven 3s in the third quarter, to kickstart his 2025 NBA All-Star campaign in front of a national audience. Wes Goldberg and David Ramil react to the game, ask how the Heat broke the Lakers, and what it means for the next part of their season
Why the Miami Heat’s Blowout Loss to Celtics Should Prompt Changes The Miami Heat got blown out by the Boston Celtics on Monday night. Sure, they were without Jimmy Butler, but the Celtics were also without several key players and it did not matter. Should back-to-back losses and falling to under .500 be enough to prompt changes? Wes Goldberg and David Ramil react to the game and look ahead to what the Heat can do to fix things.
