Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra On Eastern Conference Standings: "I Don't Even Care"

Anthony Pasciolla | Apr 10, 2024

Apr 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra prepares for a timeout; Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports / Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday was a frustrating night for coach Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat (44-36), as they were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks, 111-92.

This loss further cements the likelihood that the Heat will appear in the Play-In Tournament for the second consecutive season. It worked out to near perfection last season, with the Heat reaching the NBA Finals as the No. 8 seed. Spoelstra is not shaken by the idea of being in the Play-In despite the uncertainty surrounding the team's seeding.

"We're going to focus on the next 48 hours to get ready for another battle. I don't even care what's going on in the standings," Spoelstra said in his postgame interview. "I just want our team playing the way we're capable of playing, and that's what we're going to look to do these last two games."

As of Wednesday night, the Indiana Pacers are the No. 6 seed, and the Philadelphia 76ers are the No. 7 seed. While the Heat could fight up to the six-seed, the Play-In Tournament is likely in their future.

The Heat return to action on Friday against the Toronto Raptors (25-55). The matchup should result in a comfortable victory, with key Raptors contributors such as Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Gary Trent Jr. potentially sidelined. Meanwhile, the hope for the Heat is guards Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson will return to the floor.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributing writer to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla