Yes, Tuesday’s drubbing of Cleveland gave hope to the Heat that it could compete with the Cavaliers in a playoff series.
The Heat, incidentally, can clinch a playoff spot with a win against Chicago
But let’s be real here:
Washington, the Heat and Milwaukee — the three teams jockeying for positions six through eight in the East — would be better served by playing Boston, which will likely be the second seed, because the Celtics are expected to be without Kyrie Irving in the first round of the playoffs after a knee procedure. (And Boston has said Gordon Hayward, injured opening night, isn’t coming back this season).