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Miami Heat: Preview vs. Detroit Pistons and the return of Wayne Ellington

By Trey Flynn

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 11: Wayne Ellington #20 of the Detroit Pistons looks on while playing the Washington Wizards during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on February 11, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 11: Wayne Ellington #20 of the Detroit Pistons looks on while playing the Washington Wizards during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on February 11, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The 26-31 Miami Heat have one of their first must-win games of the regular season, as they will be suiting up to play the Detroit Pistons at home tonight, who are confidently sitting as the 8th seed in front of the Heat.

The 9th seeded Miami Heat are looking to get back into the playoff race over their 3 game homestretch, starting with playing the red hot Detroit Pistons.

The Pistons have won 5 of their last 6 games, with their only loss being to the Boston Celtics. They are currently being led by Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond, and Reggie Jackson. In fact, it could be any one of those three players that could blow up in a game against the Heat tonight, as they all have been playing fantastic in their past 6 games. However, Detroit will be playing on a back-to-back in Miami tonight, as they beat the Atlanta Hawks last night 125-122, led by a monstrous Drummond game (26 points, 21 rebounds, 5 steals) as well as a 32 point performance from Jackson (Griffin was ejected in the 3rd quarter).

As for Miami, nothing new to see here, as they had a disappointing loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, even without Joel Embiid. Moreover, James Johnson suffered a sprained shoulder in that game, but there was some hope in the form of Derrick Jones Jr., who will look to get more playing time as Johnson is questionable for tonight. And it’s not just Jones Jr., Goran Dragic is questionable for tonight and could make his first appearance back in a Heat jersey in 2 months. The main player to look out for that will determine the success of the Heat tonight will be Hassan Whiteside, as it’s quite possible that Drummond could beat him down low and force Head Coach Erik Spoelstra to, yet again, give his $100 million dollar man 10 minutes of playing time (yes, that’s how much time he got vs. Sixers).

Aside from the injury debacle in Miami and the semi-big 3 the Pistons have right now, the next guy to watch out for in this game is the man with the golden arm, Wayne Ellington. Now starting at shooting guard, Ellington expects to get the playing time he’s wanted this season, also getting a guaranteed $2 million for the remainder of this Pistons’ season. Even though Ellington will most likely go elsewhere this summer (think Philadelphia, LA, or Golden State), you can expect him to show out in Miami tonight, as he most definitely wants to be in the playoffs to showcase his 3-point talents.

Projected starting lineup for Miami Heat

  • PG, Justise Winslow
  • SG, Dion Waiters
  • SF, Josh Richardson
  • PF, Kelly Olynyk
  • C, Hassan Whiteside

Injury report: James Johnson QUEST; Goran Dragic QUEST

Projected starting lineup for Detroit Pistons

  • PG, Reggie Jackson
  • SG, Wayne Ellington
  • SF, Bruce Brown
  • PF, Blake Griffin
  • C, Andre Drummond

Injury report: Glenn Robinson III OUT; Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk OUT

Next. Pros and Cons for the remainder of the Miami Heat season. dark

Tune in to watch the first game of a 3 game homestay for the Miami Heat, as they face off against the Detroit Pistons at 7:30 PM Eastern.

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