Would be a big statement win against a team that has won 13 of their last 14 games
Game Story:
The Miami Heat return back home after going 3-2 on their road trip. They now have a match up against the 2 seed Brooklyn Nets in South Beach, who have won 13 out of their last 14 games. This will be a true test for Miami and possibly a statement win if they can get the job done against the hottest team in the NBA.
Brooklyn started out the season rocky with a losing record, just like the Heat, but they have turned it around and really hit their stride. The way they were able to overcome the early season struggles and go on a run that included 12 straight wins catapulted them into the race for best of the East.
This is something that all of Heat Nation is waiting on their Heat to do themselves. Miami has been playing better, winning 9 of their last 13 games, but a long winning streak could be pivotal for this team. Who better to continue success against a conference rival in the Nets? A win against a team like this would be great for the team’s confidence and build more momentum.
The key to this game is to contain both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Make them work for their buckets, and be able to answer offensively if either of them start to get hot. After it seemed like the team was momentarily getting more healthy, the Heat have yet another hefty injury report going into this game.
Miami will be without the services of their starting PF, who is again listed as doubtful for the second game in a row. Haywood Highsmith started in his place last game and will most likely get the nod tonight as well. Although he didn’t score against Phoenix, the rebounds, tips, deflections, and defense was great.
It seems like Jimmy Butler will be playing, but his side kicks in Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are both listed as questionable. Adebayo has a thigh bruise and Herro still having issues with back spasms. I see at least one of these guys suiting up for tonight, with the more likely being Adebayo I’d say.
Injury Report:
Heat
- Gabe Vincent, probable
- Dewayne Dedmon, probable
- Bam Adebayo, questionable
- Tyler Herro, questionable
- Udonis Haslem, questionable
- Caleb Martin, doubtful
- Jamal Cain, out
- Nikola Jovic, out
- Duncan Robinson, out
- Omer Yurtseven, out
Nets
- David Duke Jr., out
- Kessler Edwards, out
- Day’Ron Sharpe, out
- Alondes Williams, out
Probable Starters:
Heat
- Jimmy Butler
- Haywood Highsmith
- Bam Adebayo
- Max Strus
- Kyle Lowry
Nets
- Kevin Durant
- Ben Simmons
- Nic Claxton
- Royce O’Neale
- Kyrie Irving
ODDS (via FanDuel)
Check the odds out at FanDuel!
Broadcast Info:
Tipoff: 6:00 PM EST
TV: Bally Sports Sun (Eric Reid, John Crotty)
Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)
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