Despite its infallible lore, the idea of Heat Culture always had to be propped up by a leader. Over Erik Spoelstra’s extensive tenure, he’s always had someone to handle the ball with as much care as aplomb.

The winner of Friday’s contest between the Heat and Hawks in Atlanta will qualify for the playoffs as the East’s eighth seed and open the first round of the playoffs against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Sunday at 7 p.m. on TNT. The loser of Friday’s game in Atlanta enters the offseason.