5 Miami Heat predictions ahead of the All-Star break
By Will Salinas
2. Feb. 7 vs San Antonio
Following the Magic game is the San Antonio Spurs (10-40) with the third-worst record in the NBA. To put it plainly, this should be a win. The Heat have underperformed, but this would be a new low.
The Heat won the last match up 118-113 in a comeback win led by Bam Adebayo. That shouldn't have been as tough as it was, but that's been their memo this season. It should also be noted the Spurs shot 19-44 (43%) from 3, which is why it was such a battle.
What the Heat need to do to win this game is make Victor Wembanyama feel uncomfortable, apply pressure to the inexperienced guards and hit 3-point shots. The Spurs are highly undisciplined, and making them overthink will force them to beat themselves.
Even though Miami is struggling, it's the Spurs. Their priority isn't winning. Their goal for this season is to develop Wembenyama and see who else will fit around him for the foreseeable future. This should be a win and more than likely will be, but it'll probably be a close game because Heat games usually are.
Prediction: Heat win