Miami

Heat On Brink of Elimination After Another Loss

The Heat are mathematically alive but are close to being eliminated from contention

The Miami Heat are not yet officially eliminated but are nearing that moment after their 107-104 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

Miami has dropped six of its last seven games and two in a row. This free fall has landed the Heat in a spot that they would need a miracle to crawl out of. In order to make the playoffs, Miami has to win its final two games and hope for three straight losses from Indiana and Brooklyn.

The loss on Saturday also clinched a losing record for the Heat at American Airlines Arena this season. One of the season-long trends for Miami has been an inability to win at home. In a building they have historically been dominant in, the Heat are 19-21 this year.

Miami took a lead into the fourth quarter but the playoff-bound Raptors proved to be too much. The Heat also did not help themselves much at the free-throw line as they missed 20 of their 44 tries.

Dwyane Wade did all he could do as is the norm in must-win games. The veteran had 30 points, five assists and six rebounds in 33 minutes. Wade could be a candidate to be shut down if and when the Heat are officially eliminated.

Hassan Whiteside contributed 16 points, 18 rebounds, and six blocks despite continuing to play with an injured hand. The center did struggle at the free-throw line again however going only 4-16. Those missed tries ended up being the difference maker in the loss.

Miami will host the Orlando Magic on Monday at 7:30 p.m.

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