Miami Heat Not So Hot Against NBA Elite, Is This Cause for Concern?

After losing Thursday's showdown with the Chicago Bulls, the Miami Heat are showing they might not be ready for a deep playoff run after all.

The Heat's record looks good from the surface, but when you take a closer look at who they are and most importantly, who they aren't beating, lumping the Heat in the same category as the other top NBA teams is a little off-base.

Miami's record against the top teams in the league (Bulls, Celtics, Mavericks, Lakers, Magic) is a dismal 3-8 (0-5 against Chicago and Boston).

Their record against the teams they are more than likely going to have to get past in order to make it to the finals is a major red flag.

Going into a series against the Celtics or Chicago already has the Heat at a disadvantage.

The confidence level won't be too high knowing that they potentially (Miami still has a home game left against the Bulls) got swept by the two teams in the regular season.

Yes, if the Heat end up compiling a better record than the Bulls or the Celtics, this will tip some momentum on their side.

The Heat are one of the best home teams in the NBA, and having the home-court advantage will be the most crucial part to whether the Heat succeed or fail during the playoffs.

During the majority of the games they have played against the top NBA teams, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James have had quality showings.

Chris Bosh has only compiled three double-doubles in the 11 games against the NBA elite. The rest of the trio's supporting cast members are not showing up in these tough games.

LeBron and Co. better get their act together against the top teams quick, before the competition puts out their flame long before they wish.