WASHINGTON _ The debate for most of the season with the Miami Heat had been whether the benefits of the lottery outweighed a playoff push.
It was, of course, a debate that largely took place outside the confines of 601 Biscayne Boulevard.
Now, even if the playoff push comes up short _ in light of a daunting remaining schedule that includes two games against the Boston Celtics, one against the Toronto Raptors, one against the Philadelphia and dual playoff-race showdowns against the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets _ the Heat are looking at no better than, say, a No. 13 lottery seed.
For all the recently jiggering by the NBA with the lottery format, it largely remains an uncompetitive playing field for a double-digit seed.
And yet, an argument could be made that the lottery still could have major implications going forward for the Heat, based on how those ping-pong balls rise on May 14 in Chicago, with so many Eastern Conference teams hoarding lottery combinations.
As the legend of Zion Williamson has grown leading into the NCAA Tournament, so has the East-altering profile of lottery possibilities.
For example, if the lottery winner is the ...
