Our Heat season companion part 8 discusses the Heat’s win over the Pacers and the Heat’s trade deadline activity. The Heat beat the Pacers at home 116-111 and improved to 30-25 overall in the season. The Heat remain in the sixth seed in the East at this point. However, the Knicks have the same record as the Heat as they both head into games today. The Miami Heat also made some minor moves prior to the NBA trade deadline. Let’s get into all of it.
Heat Season Companion Part 8: Bam Adebayo Dominated Against the Pacers
Bam Adebayo has a history of good or great games against the Indiana Pacers. That continued in this win. Adebayo put up 38 points on 12/16 shooting, nine rebounds, and three assists against the Pacers on February 8th. Adebayo is having a career year, averaging 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 54.5% from the field. Adebayo has scored 15 or more points in every game since January 12th.
Thankfully, Adebayo did make the All-Star Team this year, as a reserve for the Eastern Conference team. That is something he certainly deserves this season. Adebayo’s excellent season is one of the main factors for the Heat remaining in the top six in the East this season.
The Heat Dominated on the Glass Against the Pacers
The Heat also won the rebounding battle against the Pacers quite convincingly. The Heat grabbed a total of 48 rebounds compared to only 31 for the Indiana Pacers. Everyone on the Heat contributed to this strong rebounding. Caleb Martin, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro were the standout rebounders from the Heat’s starting lineup, though. Haywood Highsmith also grabbed six rebounds off the bench.
The Heat Did Very Little Before and at the NBA Trade Deadline
Many people expected the Heat to be active near the NBA trade deadline, but this did not happen. The Heat traded Dewayne Dedmon and a second-round draft pick to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for cash considerations. After this, the Heat signed guard Jamaree Bouyea to a 10-day contract. The Heat’s lack of activity close to the trade deadline is frustrating. We will have to hope that the Heat can find some good players on the buyout market.
Heat Season Companion Part 8: The Heat Have Two Easier Matchups Coming Up
The Heat host the Houston Rockets today before traveling to Orlando to play the Orlando Magic. The Rockets have one of the worst records in the NBA, so the Heat should take advantage of that and beat them comfortably. The Magic also don’t have a very good record, but they have gotten some decent wins lately, so the Heat will have to take them seriously. I would bet on Heat victories in both of those games, though.
Check back in next week for more Miami Heat content.