The Miami Heat have won three of their last four games but have yet to earn a W against any of last season’s playoff teams. They’ll try to get their first when they host the Sacramento Kings on Monday night (8:15 pm ET).
Heat vs Kings scouting report
The Kings boast one of the league’s fastest and most efficient offenses. Led by De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and newcomer DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento has three players averaging more than 21 points per game, with two of them (DeRozan and Sabonis) making more than half of their shots.
Key matchup: Bam Adebayo vs Sabonis
Adebayo is 7-8 vs Sabonis all time but both players hold each other below their usual scoring averages in these matchups. Sabonis averages 15.3 points (55.2% shooting), 11.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 15 games against Adebayo. Bam averages 16 points (56.7% shooting), 7.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
How the Heat plan to guard Fox and DeRozan will also be worth tracking. Terry Rozier figures to get the initial assignment on Fox, while Jimmy Butler will be tasked with defending DeRozan and helping the Heat keep pace on the offensive end.
Injury report:
The Heat will get Kevin Love and Duncan Robinson back for Monday night’s game. Love has yet to play this season due to personal reasons, while Robinson missed Saturday night’s win in Mexico City for personal reasons. Two-way contract players Josh Christopher and Keshad Johnson are away from the team on G League assignment.
The Kings will be without rookie Devin Carter (shoulder surgery) and former Heat center Orlando Robinson (MCL sprain). Guard Kevin Heurter is questionable with an illness.
Projected starting lineups:
Miami: Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic, Bam Adebayo
Sacramento: De’Aaron Fox, Doug McDermott (if Heurter is out), DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis
How to watch:
FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports), NBA League Pass.