NBA Power Rankings: Are the Detroit Pistons for real?

By Ian Levy | Oct 30, 2018

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 27: The Miami Heat huddles up against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 27, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Oscar Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

14. team. 110. . 3-3. Previous: 19th. Miami Heat

Despite finishing with a loss to the Kings, this was a very strong week for the Miami Heat. They took games from the Knicks and Trail Blazers, both by healthy margins and their offense has appeared to catch up with their defense a bit. They’re still missing Wayne Ellington’s floor-spacing but Josh Richardson, Goran Dragic, Dwyane Wade and Rodney McGruder all shot 45 percent or better on 3-pointers this week, on at least 10 attempts.

The Heat are also interesting because they would appear to have some upside. There is always the shadow of Jimmy Butler arriving but Hassan Whiteside has been not great and excising him from the lineup by trade or benching could pay dividends. In addition, both Wayne Ellington and James Johnson have been out with injuries and could make a big difference.

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