Miami Heat Clinch Playoff Berth with Win vs. Hawks

The Miami Heat are back in the postseason, clinching a playoff berth Tuesday with a 101-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

The Heat, who narrowly missed the playoffs last year, will now jockey for playoff position and possibly a favorable matchup in the first round while also getting closer to full strength for the postseason.

Health has been a major problem for Miami this year. The team lost Dion Waiters to a season-ending ankle injury after just 30 games, and Hassan Whiteside has been in and out of the lineup with various injuries to his knee, hip and more.

Many teams would fold without two of the most important players on their roster for an extended period, but the Heat have battled through the injuries.

Goran Dragic earned his first career All-Star appearance behind his team-leading 17.4 points and 4.8 assists per game, while young players such as Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow and Tyler Johnson played important roles throughout the year.

Dwyane Wade's return at the trade deadline also brought extra excitement to the organization. He's added an element of scoring off the bench with 12.8 points per game since coming home. 

Add in a defense that ranks fourth in the NBA in points allowed per game and sixth in defensive efficiency, per Basketball Reference, and this team could be dangerous in the playoffs.