(Photo via Imagn Images)
If the previous two embarrassing blowout losses were too difficult for the Miami Heat, they need to brace themselves for their most difficult matchup they could face this season versus the reigning NBA champion OKC Thunder on the second leg of a road back-to-back.
It will be the final game of the Heat’s winless road trip after falling to 20-18 following the abysmal performance against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night. Despite the Thunder going just 6-4 over their last 10 games, they still own the league’s top record at a dominant 37-4 overall.
Miami will need to somehow attempt to slow down the former MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging nearly 32 points on absurd efficiency of 55% shooting and 40% from 3-point range.
In the midst of this daunting task, the Heat are still searching for formidable rotation answers amid Tyler Herro’s return to the lineup. In the very few sample size of games with a fully healthy roster, coach Erik Spoelstra has yet to find a combination that truly works. Kel’el Ware has been demoted back to the bench, and his impact has been minimized as the backup big man compared to starting throughout this season.
Additionally, each of Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo will search for bounce back performances. Adebayo is now looking at a 10-game offensive slump where his scoring production and efficiency has plummeted.
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:
- NOT YET SUBMITTED.
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:
- Davion Mitchell, G
- Tyler Herro, G
- Norman Powell, G/F
- Andrew Wiggins, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 7:00 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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In other encouraging news (not!), Spo announced that he is going forward with Herro as starter and Ware off the bench. Somebody please tell me that they are doing this to set up some type of trade for Herro!!
Spo doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Herro + P&R + ISO + Half Court/Slow Down + Small Ball + Ware on bench. Did he scrap the run & gun all together? WTF?
Maybe Ware and Larsson should start and Bam & Herro should come off the bench. This team needs an attitude adjustment.
The team’s collapse the past two games has been a total team effort.
Total Points scored: Miami: 193 Opponents: 245
Player scoring totals for 2 games:
There is something very, very wrong going on with this team. Riley & Spo need to figure it out quickly. Trade deadline is fast approaching. 25 shopping days left.
Morant is not the answer.
I have a hangnail on my right big toe and Herro is to blame. It wasn’t there when he wasn’t playing and now it’s there. It can’t be due to any actions I have or have not taken. My nail was fine before he came back.
It’s a cause and effect relationship for sure. They keep you hangin on.
Lol
I re-checked my post above and confirmed there isn’t a Herro among them.
Impossible!