Game story:
The Miami Heat organization is in the midst of a historically awful stretch of basketball, losers of 6 straight games. They are at risk of being involved in the longest losing streak since 2008, Coach Spoelstra’s first season coaching, if another loss takes place tonight against the Phoenix Suns.
The Phoenix Suns are sporting a 26-20 record compared to Miami’s now 24-22 record.
The Suns had a rough, inconsistent start to their season this year but have been able to turn things around as of late.
A big reason for that is them getting healthy and finally being able to display their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal all together on the same court. However, they are coming off a double digit loss to the Orlando Magic in their last game.
During that loss, the Suns only went 4-14 from three point range. It is only safe to assume that the 14 attempts from that department are most definitely going to be up.
Grayson Allen absolutely killed the Heat when they matched up a few weeks ago in Phoenix, especially from long range. The former Milwaukee Buck’s sharpshooter dropped a 30+ point performance and was lethal, shooting well over 50%.
As for the Heat, something has to give and really soon.
Led by Jimmy Butler’s 28 points and efficiency in Madison Square Garden on Saturday, the supporting core and role players could not back him up. The game became out of reach at the beginning of the 4th quarter.
The Heat offense has shown some signs as of late, but just simply cannot get a defensive stop now.
Jalen Brunson, among others, had their way offensively the other day. It just looked too easy, as for the Heat offense, everything has been a grind.
This really bad stretch of basketball has led to lots of controversy on social media. Most notably entertaining a role change for Tyler Herro.
The Heat are now 63-64 in games Tyler Herro starts and 93-49 in games that Herro comes off the bench. He is a former 6MOTY winner just two seasons ago.
The scariest part of all this is that this Miami schedule does not get any easier by any means. The next 10 games or so are all against playoff teams, some even legitimate contenders.
After the last loss, Erik Spoelstra spoke and mentioned:
“Right now we’re going to rally around each other, rally around our identity. It is a tough time right now.” (via Anthony Chiang/Miami Herald)
There just isn’t any excuses to use anymore. The Heat finally have a fully healthy roster with Jaime Jaquez Jr. back in the mix after missing 6 straight games with a groin injury.
Heat front office also took care of the PG production with landing scoring guard Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets.
It is still too early to really judge Rozier’s performances, but he needs to come around sooner or later and play like himself. Which involves being confident in his shot and playing his natural game as an elite scorer and playmaker in this league. He hasn’t shot any better than 30% or so in any of his 3 games in Miami.
With Jusuf Nurkic a question mark in the lineup for Phoenix, who sat out their last game, the scouting report will have all eyes on that Phoenix big three led by superstar Kevin Durant.
Let’s see if the Heat can put an end to this abysmal last two weeks.
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
Miami Heat:
- RJ Hampton (g league) — OUT
- Orlando Robinson (g league) — OUT
- Cole Swider (g league) — OUT
- Dru Smith (knee) — OUT
Phoenix Suns:
- NOT YET SUBMITTED
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
Miami Heat:
- Terry Rozier, G
- Tyler Herro, G
- Jimmy Butler, F
- Haywood Highsmith, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
Phoenix Suns:
- Bradley Beal, G
- Devin Booker, G
- Grayson Allen, F/G
- Kevin Durant, F
- Drew Eubanks, C
Betting Lines:
- Check the current odds out at FanDuel!
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 7:30 PM EST
- TV: NBA 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)
Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!
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Suns have an out-of-this-world big 3. On paper. But they’re “just” 26-20 should be top 3 at least in west with that firepower. While Heat is playing around waiting for playoffs lol
A clean injury report. I guess Bryant has moved up the rotation a little since ORob sent to the GLeague. I remain hopeful he gets more PT. I think he can help, but he gets used so seldom, it is hard for him to get fully acclimated.
Win against strong Suns could be game changer.
There were some signs of life in NY.
I expect some changes in starting lineup.