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Miami Heat: Preview vs. James Harden and the Houston Rockets

By Trey Flynn

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Boston Celtics during the second half at American Airlines Arena on January 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Boston Celtics during the second half at American Airlines Arena on January 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The 27-33 Miami Heat are coming off a huge win against the Golden State Warriors last night, but there isn’t time to rest, as Miami must go to Texas and play the 36-25 Houston Rockets tonight.

With the Miami Heat being tied as the 9th seed since their fantastic win against the Warriors last night, this Rockets game tonight in Houston has turned itself into a must win for the Heat, as they desperately need to make the playoffs.

In the last outing between both the Heat and Rockets, Miami came away with the win, led by Josh Richardson’s 22 points and 7 assists, 101-99. James Harden had 35 points and 12 assists, but the Heat’s relentless defense held Chris Paul and Clint Capela to a total of only 10 points. You can expect a similar performance from Richardson, but not Paul and Capela, who weren’t necessarily healthy at the time and are now flourishing.

The Rockets have won 3 straight and now have Kenneth Faried and Austin Rivers coming off the bench, you can expect this Rockets team to come back for revenge, even with a hot Heat team looking to win on their back-to-back game.

Key matchups in this one are fairly obvious, with the zone defense being extremely effective underneath the prowess of big men Kelly Olynyk and Bam Adebayo (Hassan Whiteside did not travel with the team), you’ll see a very lively defense. It will be up to Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson to try and hold off James Harden and Chris Paul, and also for the Heat to hope they get a healthier version of their backcourt back tonight.

Moreover, it would be nice to see Goran Dragic and Derrick Jones Jr. get more minutes, as they are obviously vital for the Heat’s success.

Miami Heat projected starting lineup:

  • PG, Goran Dragic
  • SG, Dion Waiters
  • SF, Josh Richardson
  • PF, Justise Winslow
  • C, Bam Adebayo

Notes: The move of Dragic into the starting lineup makes sense for two reasons: Dragic was an absolute star vs. the Warriors in his 3rd game back in action, and Winslow would play very well against PJ Tucker at the four. Moreover, the Heat need a center off the bench, and Olynyk can fill that role, especially if Miami gets into foul trouble.

Injury report: James Johnson OUT; Hassan Whiteside OUT

Houston Rockets projected starting lineup:

  • PG, Chris Paul
  • SG, James Harden
  • SF, Eric Gordon
  • PF, PJ Tucker
  • C, Clint Capela

Injury report: Kenneth Faried OUT; Austin Rivers OUT

Next. Wade buzzer-beater takes out Warriors. dark

Tune in at 8 PM Eastern, to see the Heat try and get their back-to-back win at Houston against the Rockets.

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