GAME PREVIEW: Giannis, Heat look to respond versus visiting Pistons

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s regular-season Miami Heat debut ended in disappointing fashion during Thursday’s opening night 131-106 blowout to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Miami’s new superstar did his part, totaling 35 points and 6 rebounds on 13 of 19 shooting— good for the most points ever scored in a Heat player debut. However, the support from the rest of the roster was nonexistent. Bam Adebayo submitted a quiet 15 points and 7 boards, as other key rotation players didn’t make much of a winning impact either.

Across the board it was a poor team effort on both ends of the court. Now, the focus shifts to a hopeful bounce back performance as Miami is set to host the Detroit Pistons on the first night of a back-to-back. The Pistons are coming off a comeback win on opening night over the Boston Celtics.

Detroit’s All-Star duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren will be crucial to contain. But as a whole, the Heat will look to up their defensive intensity and knock down more of their 3-point looks. The Heat defense allowed nearly 70 points in the first half against the Wolves and shot just 24% from deep in the loss.

Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):

Miami Heat:

• None (all players currently listed as available).

Detroit Pistons :

• Taurean Prince (personal) — PROBABLE
• Isaac Jones (g-league) — OUT
• Elijah Harkless (g-league) — OUT
• Ugonna Onyenso (g-league) — OUT

Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):

Miami Heat:

• Davion Mitchell, G
• Klay Thompson, G
• Andrew Wiggins, F
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, F
• Bam Adebayo, C

Detroit Pistons:

• Cade Cunningham, G
• Duncan Robinson, G
• Ausar Thompson, F
• John Collins, F
• Jalen Duren, C

Broadcast Info:

• Tipoff: 8:00 PM EST
• TV: WPLG Local 10 (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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• GAME PREVIEW: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Heat square off with Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves on opening night