Game story:
After a long night of Miami Heat basketball that featured the team win in a double overtime game against the Atlanta Hawks, they will get right back to it on the second night of a back-to-back. Miami improved to 44-35, but will now host the red hot Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavs are in the midst of a 9-1 record over their last 10 games, but are on a back-to-back themselves. Neither team has released their injury report yet, but it could be safe to assume that key guys could be out on both squads with only three games left in the regular season.
The only most likely scenario the Heat can avoid the play-in at this point is that the Orlando Magic drop two of its final three games against the Milwaukee Bucks twice and Philadelphia 76ers. Miami would have to win out in final three games against Mavs and the Toronto Raptors twice.
The tough part is beating a strong Dallas team tonight, but could opt to rest a few players as they will also be playing their second game in two nights.
Dallas handed the Heat a loss a month back and is aiming to go 2-0 against them for the season. In that game, the offensive talents of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the backcourt was too much to handle.
The Mavs currently sit at a 49-30 record and will aim to hold onto the Western Conference’s fifth seed.
Terry Rozier was the leading scorer for the Heat in that game, and his status is currently unknown after sitting out last night with neck spasms. After registering a 44 minute effort yesterday, it should be safe to assume that Jimmy Butler will get the night off.
Players like Bam Adebayo and Kevin Love are also dealing with minor injuries, so one or both of them could also be receiving the rest. Expect coach Erik Spoelstra to go deep into his depth tonight, with most notably some Thomas Bryant and Delon Wright minutes.
Tyler Herro spoke to Ira Winderman on the possibility of playing two nights in a row after his 33-point performance in Atlanta:
“I know they didn’t want me to play back-to-backs, but I’m open to it. So I just got to see how I feel.”
Herro has looked very impressive since returning from his 20-game absence due to a foot injury. Keep in mind that Duncan Robinson is also out indefinitely after re-aggravating his left facet injury in his back.
Tonight’s game will be nationally televised on ESPN, tipping off at 7:30 PM EST.
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
Miami Heat:
- NOT YET SUBMITTED.
Dallas Mavericks:
- NOT YET SUBMITTED.
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
Miami Heat:
- Tyler Herro, G
- Caleb Martin, G
- Jimmy Butler, F
- Nikola Jovic, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
Dallas Mavericks:
- Luka Doncic, G
- Kyrie Irving, G
- Derrick Jones Jr, F
- PJ Washington, F
- Daniel Gafford, C
Betting Lines:
- Check the current odds out at FanDuel!
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 7:30 PM EST
- TV: ESPN & 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!
Principal McGee : “If you can’t be an athlete, be an athletic supporter.”
Elbert Hubbard: “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
Hey, if Miami sits a couple of players and the game doesn’t look like it will be competitive, don’t sweat. Sit back and enjoy the Luka and Kyrie show.It is waht it is. Hopefully, a couple of players will find their mojo.
Feel bad win against Atlanta. Our closers were 20 year old and a player returned from serious injury.
Both better option then our megastars.
Butler will fight for minimum veteran contract playing like that.
Those final shot possessions were an embarrassment. Butler looked like a rookie out there.
Also odds are half the team sits out tonight – these old guys can’t play 40 minutes, then play in the back to back. I’d be shocked.