Q: The Heat finish with top teams and then three lesser opponents (two of whom fighting for playoff berths). Their last week might allow for some time to allow the core four to reach full health. — Leonard, Cornelius, N.C.

A: Doubt it, as long as the ultimate goal is the highest possible playoff seed. Outside of the season finale on April 10 in Orlando, every game the Heat have remaining is against a team that either is playing for playoff seeding or play-in positioning. The Heat had their opportunity to crack open the door on some rest and had it slammed in their face by the Knicks. In addition, with the Heat having tied their season series against both the 76ers and Bucks, the next head-to-head tiebreaker would be conference record, and the Heat’s advantage there is tenuous. Each of the Heat’s remaining games is against conference opposition, including that game in Orlando. So that essentially makes each remaining game worth double, even if not against an opponent they are directly in competition against for seeding purposes. As it is, if the Heat and Bucks both win out, they will close with the same record, currently tied in the loss column. So even one remaining Heat loss could cost them No. 1, if that is the ultimate goal.

Q: To me, Wednesday night’s win over the Celtics was a statement game for Erik Spoelstra in that it shows him that the players who got the Heat into first in the Eastern Conference are the players to ride to the finish. Neither Victor Oladipo nor Markieff Morris are difference-makers this year. We have ten players who have been consistently big contributors and Spo can play around with those. The Heat got back to their fourth quarter defensive identity against the Celtics, who I think will win the East if the Heat don’t. I am so happy to see us get back to the top team that the Heat are. — Roland, Borrego Springs, Calif.

A: It certainly was a big night for several players, with Erik Spoelstra also showing he will ride those who are most productive. I do wonder that if Caleb Martin was available whether he would have taken Max Strus’ place in the closing lineup. But I guess we will have to wait on that.

Q: P.J. Tucker needs some rest. Man is all heart and I appreciate it, but he needs some fresh legs for the playoffs. — Jordan.

A: And he will get that time with the Heat guaranteed at least five days off between their April 10 regular-season finale and the April 16 start of the NBA playoffs. Plus, the Heat have a pair of two-day breaks remaining on their regular-season schedule, including this current one before Saturday’s game against the Bulls. So time off awaits.

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