The Miami Heat Don’t Have Gimmes To End January, But Not ‘Hard’ Games Either
The final three games of the month are against three of the league’s more tricky teams. While Kawhi Leonard could return, a Clippers team with a healthy Paul George could make a little run, currently 8th out west.
The Boston Celtics haven’t been terribly good this season, but firmly in play-in territory, they have the talent to get hot at any moment. The Raptors are— well, the Raptors.
Any contest between them and Miami can get heated.
January 28th – Los Angeles Clippers
Despite losing Kawhi Leonard last season in the playoffs and Paul George after a red-hot start to the year, the Clippers remain frisky. While you expect the studs on the Miami Heat like Butler and Adebayo to take over this game, it is a coinflip what kind of LA team shows up.
Is it the team who shot 50 percent from three against the Indiana Pacers and scored 139 points? Or is it the squad that could not even manage to put up 90 against New Orleans?
When in doubt, trust the defense. Miami holds opponents to 44 percent from the field, the 8th best in the league. Pray the Clippers don’t get hot, I guess?
Score Prediction – 110-116 Heat Win
January 29th – Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have bounced back after a year on the road, battling for a playoff spot behind a pleasantly surprising rookie year from Scottie Barnes. However, in the recent bout with Miami, the Raptors had no answer for Tyler Herro or really any of Miami’s guards, despite their talent and length on the wing.
Toronto also struggles to win fast-paced games they cannot turn into rock fights. At home, this feels like a game in which Miami can control the tempo and find another victory.
Score Prediction – 97-106 Heat Win
January 31st – @ Boston Celtics
The Celtics have one of the more frustrating offenses in basketball. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum average 49.2 points per game and are potentially the most talented wing duo in the NBA.
Unfortunately, the Celtics lack an old-school, pass-first point guard.
The offense is painfully stagnant, essentially wasting their young star power. The team averages 22.8 assists per game and as a result of the team’s tendency to play hero ball, Boston’s scoring ranks 21st in the NBA.
It feels like a homer move to give Miami five straight wins, but after a homestand, taking on a bad offensive team for the first game on the road plays to the Heat’s advantage. The Heat’s ability to move the ball well will show up in stark contrast to the Celtics’ inability to do just that.
Score Prediction – 100-92 Heat Win
The Miami Heat came up just short in a comeback attempt over the Hawks on Friday. A nice little streak to close the month would be just what the doctor ordered to help them forget how that one went.
They have a great shot at it too. That’s especially with a motivated Jimmy Butler based on the aforementioned event.