Miami Heat vs. Hornets preseason preview, injury report, and info

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 02: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket while guarded by Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at Spectrum Center on May 02, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 02: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket while guarded by Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at Spectrum Center on May 02, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
James Bouknight #5 of the Charlotte Hornets looks to pass during the first period of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Miami Heat vs. Hornets preseason preview, injury report, and info: Preview

With all of the injuries, some young players will have another great opportunity to prove themselves in tonight’s game. This is especially true on the Miami Heat.

Players such as Micah Potter and Javonte Smart are fighting to show that they belong on an NBA roster. Though they probably won’t end up with the Heat, maybe there’s another team out there willing to throw them a two-way contract.

Meanwhile, the Heat have some players who are also fighting for a spot in the regular-season rotation. If these guys play well enough in preseason, they could find themselves with a real opportunity this season.

Great examples of these players include Max Strus and KZ Okpala. Strus needs to continue to consistently shoot well, while Okpala needs to show that he can be a capable three-point shooter.

As for the Hornets, they are just looking to get on track this year. Their first two games have been rough and they desperately need a win.

If they start shooting the ball better they could be a dangerous team, but the Heat need to make sure that doesn’t happen. Just because Charlotte has been struggling doesn’t mean the Heat can win this one easily.

The good thing for Miami is that their young guys are going to be giving it 110% out there. They want to prove that they belong in the NBA, and the best way to do that is by contributing to a win.