NBA9 Nov 20262 minute read

Miami Heat Search for Defensive Answers After Slow 4-6 Start

The Miami Heat are off to a 4-6 start, struggling on defense despite adding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Klay Thompson.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Early Defensive Struggles

The Miami Heat have hit a rocky patch to start the season, sitting at 4-6 through 10 games. Miami has been outscored by 53 points overall. Defense has been the main issue, as the Heat rank 25th in the league despite having several decorated defenders on the roster. They gave up 138 points in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last Monday, including 79 points in the first half alone. It was the fourth time in their first seven games that they allowed at least 125 points.

Giannis Antetokounmpo pointed out the defensive communication and lack of trust after the Lakers loss. He said right now they do not trust one another or give that extra effort. Opponents are shooting 39.4 percent from 3 against Miami, making 16.4 3-pointers per game. Miami also gives up a league worst 20.5 open 3-pointers per game.

High Hopes and Offense Adjustments

Klay Thompson joined Miami this summer alongside Antetokounmpo after giving up millions in a buyout with Dallas. Thompson even canceled off day plans to practice following the Lakers loss. He bounced back two nights later, scoring 30 points and hitting the winning 3-pointer in overtime against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra rejected the idea that the team simply needs more time. He stated that the team cannot just rely on reputation and paper accolades. Miami has tried tweaking its offense, which ranks 20th in the NBA. The team averages just 22.3 on-ball screens per game, the fewest in the league, though they are highly efficient when running them. Front office leaders Pat Riley, Dwyane Wade, and Udonis Haslem have all stepped in to attend shootarounds and talk to the team during the early slump.

What it means for the next game

Miami Heat at Utah Jazz (NBA, Wed, 11 Nov): Utah Jazz win 34%, Miami Heat win 66%; projected score Utah Jazz 121, Miami Heat 126. Our safest pick: Heat +3.5.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat (NBA, Sat, 14 Nov): Miami Heat win 48%, Cleveland Cavaliers win 52%; projected score Miami Heat 122, Cleveland Cavaliers 122. Our safest pick: Heat +7.5.