What's happening to the Miami Heat?

The two-time defending champions apparently haven't recovered yet after a recent funk losing on the road against the Boston Celtics, 101-96 on Wednesday night. The Heat missed the services of superstar LeBron James but the lowly Celtics are just 26-40 this season. The Heat have now lost six of their last nine games-- definitely their worst stretch in this regular season.

It doesn't get any easier for Miami too: the Heat battle the Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers in three of their next four games.

The Heat had their offense going shooting 49.4 per cent from the field as a team but defense was another story as they allowed Boston to shoot over 50.0 per cent. Avery Bradley topscored for Boston with 23 points.

View the slideshow for more Heat-Celtics facts and stats.

NBA Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
The Big Three in Boston is gone but Rajon Rondo still remembers the Celtics rivalry with the Miami Heat. The spitfire point guard hit two crucial shots in the end game. Reuters
NBA Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
Rondo was one-point shy of a triple-double finishing with 9 points, 10 rebounds and 15 dimes. Reuters
NBA Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
Michael Beasley started for the injured LeBron James and finished with 12 points for the Heat Reuters
NBA Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
On a day they needed other players to step-up, Chris Bosh missed 8 of 11 shots to finish with just 6 points. Reuters
NBA Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
Wade top-scored with 17 points for the Heat but couldn't get the job done on the road without LeBron James Reuters