Miami Heat Set to Face Timberwolves Tonight

Miami has had two days to work out the kinks that were painfully obvious in back-to-back losses to the Rockets and Hornets. Tonight, they’ll have a a chance to get back on track when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-3) at the AmericanAirlines Arena.

The Wolves are continuing their trip through Florida, following an overtime loss in Orlando on Friday. That loss could be seen as an upset, more a byproduct of youth and inexperience on the roster. But don’t discount this team; they’re talented and could explode offensively on any night. Given what happened in Charlotte, it’s something Miami needs to address.

The Hornets had struggled offensively prior to Wednesday’s game but had breakout performances from Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller to help beat Miami. The issue with opposing big men could be a problem tonight as well, with Minnesota big man Nikola Pekovic clogging up the paint.

“Pek” as he’s known to the Minny faithful, is scoring 14.2 points per game (to go along with 8 rebounds) but he’s effective around the basket and can hit from midrange. He’s dangerous running the pick-and-roll but he likely will be without his usual partner, Ricky Rubio, who is listed as questionable against the Heat.

Mo Williams will start in Rubio’s place and be expected to take up some of the scoring load. The Wolves also feature leading scorer Kevin Martin (22.5 PPG), as well as Thad Young, previously of the 76ers. But Minnesota’s future is likely tied to rookie Andrew Wiggins, the first pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Wiggins, of course, came via the trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers that also included last year’s top pick, Anthony Bennett, in exchange for Kevin Love. Although Love was never able to lead the team to the post season, his unquestionable array of skills left a gaping hole. The Wolves are hoping Wiggins will be able to eventually fill it.

But he’s struggling to score, finishing with just six points against the Magic (the fourth time in five games that he’s failed to reach double figures). There’s potential there, however, and watching him guard Dwyane Wade will be a key matchup. The absence of Rubio will be a boost for Norris Cole. The Spanish point guard is a solid defender and Cole, with just two points combined in the Heat’s losses, needs a breakout game. Of course, Miami’s Chris Bosh is the key to Miami’s chances tonight. How the Wolves guard him is a concern; Pekovic, bigger but slower, can be taken out of his comfort zone by a shooter like C.B. (it happened recently when Grizzlies’ big man Marc Gasol schooled Pek from midrange). Minnesota head coach Flip Saunders could choose to use the quicker Young but Shawne Williams would still be able to take advantage of the mismatch.

There’s also a chance that we’ll see increased playing time (although likely not a start) for Josh McRoberts. Still recovering from a lingering toe injury, he’s slowly progressing but there’s no denying that could jumpstart an offense that has been anemic.

There’s also a chance that Minnesota could be a potential “trap” game for Miami (as brought up by Wes Goldberg here). With a match against the Dallas Maverick on Sunday looming, the Heat could overlook a young Wolves team that will be shorthanded without the passing/defense of Rubio. If Miami is focused on improving after recent losses, this could be a quick blowout. Otherwise, it might turn into a drawn-out affair that will leave the Heat fatigued heading to Texas to face a legitimate title contender.

Check back with All U Can Heat after the game for news and notes, recaps, analysis and post-game grades.