By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
After experiencing a 10 game losing streak, several costly home losses, the Heat returned to its winning ways with 6 consecutive victories. The Miami Heat beat the Philadelphia 76ers 117-105 Monday, moving to 36-43 for the season. The Heat remain the 10 seed in the East, half a game behind the ninth seed and 1.5 games behind the eighth seed. With three games remaining in the regular season, the Play In scenario seems the most likely path. It seems that the Heat lost their way after the Jimmy Butler shenanigans and eventual trade to the Golden State Warriors, where he is thriving with Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Heat team leaders Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo must play well if the Heat are to advance beyond the Play In games.
The Florida Panthers
In the National Hockey League, our Panthers are currently in third place in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference behind leader Toronto and state rival Tampa Bay. With 5 games remaining in the regular season, to win the Atlantic Division or secure a favorable playoff position, their immediate goal has to be winning. Beginning Tuesday the Panthers have home games at Amerant Arena versus the division leading Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, the Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Rangers before traveling to the west coast to play the Tampa Bay Lightning. All opponents are worthy contenders with playoff aspirations. Playoffs begin the latter part of April, dates to be determined. As defending champions, the Panthers have become a target for division and conference foes.
Major League Baseball
The Miami Marlins currently stand in third place in Eastern Division behind the Philadelphia Phillies 7-2) and the New York Mets (7-3). Bringing up the rear in the Division are 2 extremely talented teams, the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves, both of which have won World Series titles recently. The Marlins have a history of trading really good players primarily to keep the payroll manageable because the fan base hasn’t reached its potential attendance wise. Two former players of note, Luis Arraez (Padres) and Jazz Chisholm (Yankees), are having excellent seasons with their respective teams. The Marlins are building a championship team via the farm system. Once the attendance and talent mesh, future success will follow. Then and only then can they sustain a culture where winning and packed sellouts are the norm.
