(Photo via Imagn Images)
Another day, another tough matchup for the Miami Heat in the midst of what’s been a difficult first half of season schedule.
After falling to the reigning NBA Champion OKC Thunder on the road last weekend, the Heat are set to rematch on their home floor this time for some Saturday night hoops. Miami has lost four of their last five games as OKC has continued to be a league juggernaut with an 8-2 record over their last 10 games and 35-7 overall. They hold the NBA’s top record across both conferences by nearly four games.
In last week’s Heat-Thunder game, Miami actually played well throughout the first half. However, the infamous “turd quarter” got the best of the again, where OKC went on a 39-26 run following halftime. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with a game-high 29 points, 8 assists and 5 boards on route to the 124-112 win.
Miami will be without key role players Davion Mitchell and Jaime Jaquez Jr. for the second straight game due to injury. Coach Erik Spoelstra will need somebody to step in off the bench to make up for their absences to help counter the Thunder’s depth. OKC’s second unit dropped 54 points on Miami in that recent previous matchup. It will also be interesting to see Spoelstra’s handling of Kel’el Ware and his minutes, following some harsh postgame criticism towards the big man after Thursday’s loss.
This will be the final Heat home game before starting a five-game West coast road trip.
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
OKC Thunder:
- Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus) — OUT
- Thomas Sorber (ACL) — OUT
- Nikola Topic (surgical recovery) — OUT
Miami Heat:
- Tyler Herro (toe, rib) — QUESTIONABLE
- Davion Mitchell (shoulder) — OUT
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (knee) — OUT
- Vlad Goldin (g-league) — OUT
- Myron Gardner (g-league) — OUT
- Jahmir Young (g-league) — OUT
- Terry Rozier (not with team) — OUT
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
OKC Thunder:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G
- Luguentz Dort, G
- Jalen Williams, F
- Aaron Wiggins, F
- Branden Carlson, C
Miami Heat:
- Tyler Herro, G
- Norman Powell, G/F
- Pelle Larsson, G/F
- Andrew Wiggins, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 8:00 PM EST
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network 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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Should be a great, competitive game. That small ball line-up should match up very well with OKC’s small line-up. Herro should be able to again close the game out down the stretch with his clutch play. The team’s 5 game road trip out west to follow should also be a piece of cake. Good times.