2025 Miami Heat playoffs picture after massive win vs Warriors: Updated standings, schedule and more (Mar. 25)
The Miami Heat won their second consecutive game as they dismantled the Golden State Warriors 112-86 on Tuesday at Kaseya Center in Miami. The match also marked the first time the team went up against its former franchise star, Jimmy Butler.
On Sunday, Miami snapped its 10-game losing skid against the Charlotte Hornets, 122-105. The streak was the franchise's longest since the 2007-08 season, wherein the team finished with the worst record in the league (15-67).
On Tuesday, Miami led by as much as 28 and never trailed in Butler's South Beach homecoming. The Heat shot 55.8% (43-for-77), including a remarkable 17-for-25 from the 3-point line (68.0%).
Bam Adebayo led the way with 27 points and eight rebounds on 9-for-18 shooting (2-for-3 on 3-pointers). Tyler Herro added 20 points and seven assists on 7-for-10 shooting, including 4-for-4 from downtown.
Here's a look at Miami's playoff picture, including the updated standing, remaining games and potential postseason matchups.
Miami Heat playoff picture: Updated standings
The Miami Heat (31-41) sit 10th in the Eastern Conference. They are in a position to reach the postseason, as they have a six-game lead over the 11th-placed Toronto Raptors (25-47). However, the Heat will likely go through the Play-In Tournament as they are nine and a half games behind No. 6 Detroit Pistons (41-32).
Coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat could now shift their focus on securing a favorable play-in spot. They are three and a half games behind seventh-placed Orlando Magic (35-38) and are a game behind the Chicago Bulls (32-40).
Miami Heat playoff picture: Remaining schedule
The Miami Heat have a crucial home game against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. Atlanta holds the No. 7 seed with a 35-36 record, and just four and a half games separate them from Miami.
Five of their 10 remaining games will be against teams not in the postseason picture. However, they have a critical stretch wherein they will face three strong playoff teams: a back-to-back set against the Boston Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies on April 2 to 3 and a matchup versus the Milwaukee Bucks on April 5.
Their April 9 game against the Chicago Bulls could also prove crucial as they fight for play-in positioning.
Miami Heat playoff picture: Potential matchups
If the playoffs started today, the Miami Heat, as the 10th seed, would have to win two consecutive road games in the Play-In Tournament to secure a playoff berth. As it stands, the Heat will battle the ninth-seeded Chicago Bulls at United Center.
The victorious team will then play the No. 7 vs. No. 8 bracket winner for the eighth and final playoff berth. The No. 8 seed will battle the No. 1 seed in the first round.
Miami has lost its two matchups against Chicago this season: a 133-124 road loss on Feb. 4 and a 114-109 defeat at home on March 8. They will face for the third and final time in Chicago.