Bobcats rally past Hawks, still game behind for sixth spot

Basketball Hot News

Heat to rest LeBron, Bosh vs. Wizards Monday. Rest tops push for top seed.

If Miami wins out and Indiana stumbles on the road at Orlando on Wednesday night, the Heat can get the top seed in the East. It’s not exactly a likely scenario, but it could play out that way.

Heat coach Eric Spoestra decided rest matters more.

LeBron James and Chris Bosh are both resting for the Heat on Monday night against the Wizards, reports Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel.

LeBron and Bosh formally listed as inactive for Heat. Greg Oden (stomach virus) also not with Heat.—

Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 14, 2014

Heat to start Wade, Chalmers, Douglas, Battier and Haslem.—

Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 14, 2014

This almost looks like the Heat conceding the No. 1 slot, although they could still beat the Wizards. It’s really about what Wizards team shows up.

This is a break for a Wizards team that also needs a win — they are the six seed going into Monday night, one game ahead of Charlotte (and the Bobcats have the tiebreaker). Washington wants to avoid falling to the seven seed and drawing a fully healthy and focused Miami in the first round. If the Wizards win out, they get the six seed (meaning likely Toronto or maybe Chicago in the first round).