Inconsistent squads collide when Lakers battle Heat

(Photo credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images)
Wednesday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the host Miami Heat appears to be a marquee matchup, but the NBA standings suggest otherwise.

Both teams have struggled to sustain momentum in the season's early weeks, with the Lakers entering at 12-9 and the Heat coming in at 9-10. Each squadsits in a fringe playoff position: Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference, and