Dwyane Wade -- Justin Timberlake Takes the Sting Out of Losing

Judging by the giddy smiles on their faces, you'd never guess this photo of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers with Justin Timberlake was taken RIGHT AFTER the Heat lost to the Pacers.

Turns out, JT was in Indiana for a concert and sat courtside at the Heat vs. Pacers game last night. After the game, he met up with some of the players who instantly forgot how terrible they played that night.

In fact, Wade Instagram'd about it ... "Tough road loss but a cool surprise after ... Hanging out with the man himself ... JT ... If yall know me this is my guy."

FYI -- the Heat shot a pathetic 42.9 percent from the field last night ... and only hit 4 of 21 from the 3-point range.