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Miami Heat: Preview vs the Russell Westbrook-less Thunder

By Duncan Smith

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Arena on February 1, 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 Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Arena on February 1, 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 Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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The Miami Heat travel to play the Russell Westbrook-less Oklahoma City Thunder on the second night of a back-to-back set of games.

The Miami Heat take on the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night on the second night of a back-to-back following a 93-75 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The Thunder will be without star Russell Westbrook, serving a one-game suspension following his 16th technical foul of the season.

The Heat just wrapped up a five-game homestand, going 3-2 and maintaining their hold on the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. They currently hold a one game lead over the Orlando Magic in ninth and a two game lead over the Hornets thanks to their win on Sunday.

In Westbrook’s absence expect Paul George to shoulder a heavy offensive load and for much of the offense to run through him.

George in the midst of an MVP-candidate quality season, the best of his career. He’s averaging 28.3 points per game on 44 percent shooting from the field and 39.1 percent from long range, but he’s slumped considerably since the All Star break. Over his last nine games he is shooting just 33.7 percent from the floor and 29.9 percent from behind the arc.

Whether or not his struggle has been a result of fatigue, George has the potential to break out for a monster game on any night, especially when carrying a heavier offensive load than usual.

Starting at point guard in place of Westbrook will likely be Dennis Schroder. While not an efficient shooter, Shroder can fill in some of Westbrook’s role as a slasher and playmaker, but he can do this without crowding George off the ball.

Schroder is shooting 41 percent from the floor and 33.4 percent from 3-point range this season.

As for the Miami Heat, the only name on the injury report belongs to Justise Winslow. Still suffering the effects of a thigh bruise from Friday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Winslow is questionable.

The Heat are coming off two straight outstanding defensive efforts, holding the Hornets to 75 points and the Detroit Pistons to 74 points in a game last week. The two teams combined to shoot just 20.8 percent from 3-point range.

The Thunder are just 18th in offensive rating, scoring 107.2 points per 100 possessions, so the Heat will look to use their zone defense again to limit the damage the home team can do.

Oklahoma City Thunder projected starters

Miami Heat projected starters

Next. Three keys to the Miami Heat making the playoffs. dark

This game tips off at 8 PM Eastern from Oklahoma City.

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