Nov 12, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) looks at the scoreboard against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at the Toyota Center. The Heat defeated the Rockets 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Miami Heat will continue their 6-game road trip tonight, against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.

After a disappointing game against Memphis, the Heat came awfully close to dropping two in a row against Houston. After failing to break the 30-point mark for 7 games, LeBron James exploded for 38 points and grabbed a standard 10 rebounds. James made big shots down the stretch, and despite Wade missing 2 crucial free-throws at the end of the game, Miami escaped Houston with a 113-110 victory.

After beating the Memphis Grizzlies in the season opener and then the Lakers, Clippers surprisingly dropped two games at home against Golden State and Cleveland. Since then, however, it has been smooth sailing for the Clippers who are on a 3 game winning streak.

The Clippers improved their roster this off-season by welcoming players such as Grant Hill, Jamal Crawford, Lamar Odom and Matt Barnes. While Grant Hill is out with a bone bruise, Jamal Crawford has provided excellent scoring off the bench. Crawford is averaging a team high 20.3 points per game. Clippers are a lot deeper this year and when Grant Hill and Chauncey Billups are back they could very well cause some upsets in the West.

James has started the season in impressive fashion, posting solid and efficient numbers. Chris Bosh has also been very consistent so far this season, averaging 20.9 points per game. Although Bosh’s rebounding has been somewhat erratic, he has shown that the Heat can lean on him on a regular basis.

Chris Paul is currently averaging just over 10 assists per game, which ranks him 2nd in the league. Chalmers has gotten into foul trouble in a couple of games early this season and it will be important for him to stay on the floor.

Everyone is now familiar with lob-city. Griffin and Jordan are two of the most athletic players in the league and love to run the floor. Pretty much every player on the Clippers’ roster can run the fast break, and the Clippers are ranked 2nd in the league in fast break points. Both Griffin and Jordan have shown that they can push the ball and when they don’t they have the best point-guard in the league to set them up. Miami will have to try to limit the Clippers fast break efficiency by continuing to execute their half-court sets, as well as getting back in transition.

We should see a very offense oriented game tonight, as both teams rank at the very top of the league in field goal percentage. Miami is leading the league at 49.7% while the Clippers are shooting 49.6% from the field this season. Miami is also ranked first in points per game while the Clippers are third in the league.

Nov 9, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) looks to get around Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford (15) during the first half at Philips Arena. The Heat defeated the Hawks 95-89. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

Miami Heat started their 6-game road trip on Friday when they beat the Atlanta Hawks by 95-89. Tonight a tough and gritty Memphis side will be hosting the NBA champions.

Dwyane Wade was out against Atlanta and is listed as day-to-day with a cold. Mike Miller started in Wade’s spot against the Hawks, and will most likely do the same tonight, letting Ray Allen come off the bench. Allen has looked very solid in his 6th man role so far, averaging 14.7 points per game on 59% shooting from 3-point range.

LeBron James banged knees with Josh Smith in the game against Atlanta, which forced both players to walk off to the half-time break early. While LeBron came back and iced the game with a jumper in crunch time, he said that his knee was a little sore after the game. James is expected to play, even with a slight knock, and the Heat will definitely need his contribution.

Both teams are on a 4 game winning streak, as the Grizzlies have won every single game since dropping their season opener against the Clippers.

Despite losing OJ Mayo to Dallas, Memphis remain a very dangerous team. The front court of Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay is one of the scariest in the NBA. Memphis have been one of the better rebounding teams this season, with Zach Randolph leading the league in rebounds per game. Miami, on the other hand, rank 26th in the league so far in rebounding. It will be important for the Heat to keep the rebounding as even as possible and limit second chance opportunities.

While Rudy Gay is averaging over 19 points per game so far, he hasn’t been very efficient, shooting less than 40% from the field. Gay can score in almost any way, so keeping his offense out of rhythm will be key.

So far the Grizzlies have gotten decent contributions off the bench by Speights and Bayless, but Miami’s bench is looking significantly stronger on paper. When the Grizzlies’ starters are resting, Miami’s bench will need to take advantage.

Mike Conley loves playing the passing lanes, and is one of the best in the league when it comes to steals. Collectively the Grizzlies are currently leading the league in steals, so taking care of the ball will be essential for Miami.

Overall, the Grizzlies have been well geared to counter Miami’s style of play, having won 6 of their last 9 meetings. Memphis away is always a hard nut to crack, and Miami will truly have to grind it out in a game that promises to be very even.