The Heat could not hold a 19-point halftime lead at home against the Bulls Friday and fell 1-1/2 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Heat have only three games remaining to make up the ground with none against the teams in front of them - the Celtics, Nets or Pacers.
The Nets still hold the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup with the No. 1 seed Hawks. That could change as Friday will be a busy day in the battle for those final two spots. The Celtics, Nets, Pacers and Hornets (at Hawks) are all in action.
Here’s how things stand in the Eastern Conference for the final two spots:
7. Boston (36-42) 23.0 GB 4 games remaining
8. Brooklyn (36-42) 23.0 GB 4 games remaining
9. Indiana (35-43) 24.0 GB 4 games remaining
10. Miami (35-44) 24.5 GB 3 games remaining
11. Charlotte (33-45) 26.0 GB 4 games remaining
Upcoming schedules
Celtics: 2 home, 2 away – at Cavaliers April 10, vs. Cavaliers April 12, vs. Raptors April 14, at Bucks April 15
Nets: 3 home, 1 away – vs. Wizards April 10, at Bucks April 12, vs. Bulls April 13, vs. Magic April 15
Heat: 2 home, 1 away – vs. Raptors April 11, vs. Magic April 14, at 76ers April 15
Pacers: 2 home, 2 away – at Pistons April 10, vs. Thunder April 12, vs. Wizards April 14, at Grizzlies April 15
Hornets: 1 home, 3 away – at Hawks April 10, at Pistons April 12, vs. Rockets April 13, at Raptors April 15
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