NBA Playoffs 2018: Power ranking all 16 playoff teams

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 8: Zaza Pachulia #27, Stephen Curry #30, Kevin Durant #35, Klay Thompson #11 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors face off against the Sacramento Kings on January 8, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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13. Miami Heat

Did the Miami Heat subtly attempt to tank their way into the No. 7 seed to draw a first-round matchup with Kyrie Irving-less Celtics? Or did they lose against the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks in recent weeks—the latter of which was a 24-point rout—despite actively trying to win those games?

The answer to that question may influence how long this Heat squad can stay alive in the playoffs.

What Miami lacks in superstar talent, it makes up for with a bevy of quality role players. While Goran Dragic’s All-Star Game appearance this season was farcical, he’s an above-average point guard set to face off against Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons in the first round. ESPN.com’s Zach Lowe is (correctly) caping for Josh Richardson as Miami’s best all-around player. James Johnson and Kelly Olynyk have each lived up to the $50-plus million contracts they signed this past offseason, with the latter in particular proving to be a pleasant surprise.

Strangely, the Heat’s biggest concern may be their highest-paid player, Hassan Whiteside. Following the aforementioned loss to Brooklyn, his frustration boiled over, as he told reporters in reference to the limited minutes he played that night, “Why are we matching up? We’ve got one of the best centers in the league. Why are we matching up?”

The Heat have been 4.4 points per 100 possessions better with Whiteside catching a breather compared to when he’s on the court, as Olynyk and Bam Adebayo have been able to hold the fort at the 5 in his absence. If Whiteside remains engaged, the Heat should put up a tough first-round fight against Philly, but don’t outrule the possibility of him mentally checking out if head coach Erik Spoelstra prioritizes small-ball lineups whenever Embiid isn’t on the floor.

Next: 12. Indiana Pacers

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