Early NBA Struggles Put Heat and Pacers Under Pressure

The NBA season is still in its opening weeks, but several teams have already given reason for concern. Miami, New York, Indiana and Orlando have all struggled to build momentum, though the problems differ from team to team and there is ample time to recover.

Miami started 0–4 before beating Atlanta and an Indiana team missing Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac. Bam Adebayo has improved recently, averaging 22.3 points and 9.0 rebounds over three games. But Klay Thompson shot 31.7% in his first five, and the Heat have allowed opponents to make 41% of their three-pointers.

The defending champion Knicks opened 0–3 but have won three of their last four. Their 3–4 record includes two defeats to Philadelphia. New York’s backup centers have struggled, and unresolved contract talks involving Karl-Anthony Towns add to the team’s challenges. The Knicks have two upcoming games against Cleveland, offering chances to respond.

Indiana fell to 2–6 after losing five straight. Haliburton is sidelined week to week with a hamstring strain, and injuries left the Pacers with only six available players against Atlanta. Orlando, also 2–5, is without Paolo Banchero for four to six weeks because of a severe ankle sprain; Jalen Suggs cannot play with a knee bone bruise. The Magic’s net rating is minus-8.6, while their offense and defense have both struggled.