(Photo via Getty Images)
On Tuesday night, the Miami Heat improved to a 23-21 record with a win against the Sacramento Kings. As their West Coast road trip continues, they will look to keep it going with a second consecutive victory in Thursday’s matchup versus the 22-22 Portland Trail Blazers.
The Blazers are suffering through a roster-wide injury hit, as they have nine rotation players on the injury report. Key pieces such as Jrue Holiday, Jerami Grant and Robert Williams are all listed as questionable. Despite those injuries, Portland has still managed to win games, though— they have won eight of their last 10 and sit at the ninth seed in the Western Conference. They’ve gotten a few days of extended rest with their last game taking place on Sunday with a win of their own over the Kings.
Kel’el Ware, who sat out with a hamstring strain in Miami’s previous matchup, is listed as questionable once again. If he isn’t able to suit up, expect even more minutes out of Bam Adebayo. Adebayo is coming off an elite offensive outing of 25 points on over 50% from the field.
The Heat already defeated the Blazers in an early season November game a few months back, and they’ve won eight of their last 10 games against Portland. In that November matchup, Deni Avdija dropped 33 points for the Blazers. Avdija has been their leading man all season long in an All-Star caliber campaign for him, averaging a career-high 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists on 47% shooting.
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
Portland Trail Blazers:
- Jrue Holiday (calf) — QUESTIONABLE
- Jerami Grant (Achilles) — QUESTIONABLE
- Robert Williams ||| (knee) — QUESTIONABLE
- Sidy Cissoko (illness) — QUESTIONABLE
- Scoot Henderson (hamstring) — OUT
- Damian Lillard (achilles) — OUT
- Kris Murray (lumbar) — OUT
- Matisse Thybulle (knee) — OUT
- Blake Wesley (foot) — OUT
Miami Heat:
- Kel’el Ware (hamstring) — QUESTIONABLE
- Tyler Herro (ribs) — OUT
- Jahmir Young (g-league) — OUT
- Vlad Goldin (g-league) — OUT
- Terry Rozier (not with team) — OUT
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
Portland Trail Blazers:
- Deni Avdija, G
- Shaedon Sharpe, G
- Sidy Cissoko, F
- Toumani Camara, F
- Donovan Clingan, C
Miami Heat:
- Davion Mitchell, G
- Norman Powell, G/F
- Pelle Larsson, G/F
- Andrew Wiggins, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 10:00 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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Report: Ware will miss the rest of the west coast trip due to hamstring issues. Tyler continues to be out. Hmmm…after what happened to Bucks game Giannis calling out his teammates. Something might be cooking 🤔
An exciting opportunity for HHH comment section participants. A chance to meet RC in the flesh? Even without a championship? Wow! Anyway, if any of you locals would like to meet me (us) or take a poke at me, we will be at the Intercontinental Hotel near the Kaseya Center Saturday and Sunday. I will buy you an overpriced beer if you can make it. So, hfl, 30, hhh, big guy, 2qbn, I know 2 much, if any of you might be in the area, put a comment here and we can coordinate the time. Any of you out of towners may feel free to fly in. 😆
Nice of you to offer. I’m away from home visiting my son this weekend. Thanks anyway.
Can’t make the flight lol
Even though the Heat has the easiest schedule in the league during the remainder of the year. However, it is not likely to become a contender (without a significant trade or two). Nonetheless, with such an easy schedule, it has a good opportunity to avoid being a play-In team this season.
Meanwhile, in Milwaukee…
Giannis Antetokounmpo says Bucks aren’t “playing to win”
Giannis Antetokounmpo thinks others may want to “carry” the Bucks this winter? In Wednesday’s loss, Antetokounmpo attempted just 11 field goals. He finished the contest with 19 points.
Can you smell a deadline trade?
Milwaukee receives: Herro, Wiggins, Fontecchio, Ware and 2 first round picks
Miami receives: Giannis, his brother Thanasis and Bobby Portis.
Lezzgo Pat!
Giannis?
I’ll be in the 8th row behind the basket by the Heat bench
Wow! Go Heat lol
think hes more blazer fan
Speaking for myself.
for the record, I’ve gone to the Miami game almost every year since LeBron was in town, and I always root for the Heat
I know. You follow more than one team. That’s cool. I do the same in football…Rams & Ravens.
Enjoy. Go Heat!
Cool
Current 5 highest salaries. The only one definitely worth the money is Jokic. Curry and KD? You can argue yes (I’m not saying no). Embiid and Butler? No way. I understand the economics of the league, but imo the only players I would give a max salary to are Jokic, Doncic, Wemby, Shai, Giannis, Ant, and Brunson. I am taking into account age as well as skill level. Feel free to add others.
tatum brown maxey cade duncan
Yes, especially Duncan
When the Blazers get everyone back they are going to be pretty good. They are a team finally on the upsweep. They should give us all we can handle regardless. This game might be worth staying up for.
Unlike the Heat, they are on upswing.
Win against SAC is no more then an expected letter in a win column, but winning this one could mean that Heat can be something more than record shows. I hope for some decent ball, not much of that lately.