Miami Heat aim for play-in round amid struggles

The Miami Heat are struggling, currently on a five-game losing streak and sitting in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Their focus has shifted from aiming for homecourt advantage to securing a spot in the play-in round. The team is only two games ahead of the tenth-place Chicago Bulls, who hold the tiebreaker. Following a trade of star player Jimmy Butler, the Heat's playoff hopes now hinge on winning play-in games to advance. Coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized the need for the team to maintain a strong mindset despite recent challenges. Meanwhile, Ruth Riley Hunter, a former player and current team executive, will receive the 2025 Dick Enberg Award for her contributions to sports and education.