Advanced Scout: The Heat prepare for must-wins during a soft stretch
This is Advanced Scout. Every week here at All U Can Heat, we’ll take a look at the upcoming schedule and scout the Miami Heat’s opponents. We’ll discuss the biggest storyline, toughest matchup, and headlines for the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls.
Monday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 13 vs Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets Advanced Statistics
- ORTG: 112.9
- DRTG: 120.7
- NET: -7.8
Top Headline: Hornets Provide LaMelo Ball Injury Update
LaMelo Ball, the point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, is still in the process of recovering from an ankle sprain he sustained on November 26th during a game against the Orlando Magic. The team recently provided an update on his injury.
The update essentially reiterates the information shared after the initial ankle testing. It seems that Ball will not be sidelined for an extended period, and the situation will be monitored on a week-to-week basis.
Before getting injured, Ball showcased his exceptional offensive skills and was considered one of the top players in the NBA, averaging an impressive 32.2 points in his last nine games.
Toughest Matchup:
The Charlotte Hornets (7-13) will host the Miami Heat (12-10) at Spectrum Center in a highly anticipated game between Southeast Division rivals. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season.
The Hornets have a record of 3-3 against the other teams in their division. Currently, they hold the seventh position in the Eastern Conference with an impressive average of 25.8 assists per game, led by the talented LaMelo Ball who is averaging 8.2 assists.
On the other hand, the Heat have a record of 9-9 against Eastern Conference opponents. In games decided by at least 10 points, Miami has a 3-4 record.
In terms of shooting percentages, the Hornets have been shooting at 47.4% from the field this season, slightly lower than the 48.4% that the Heat allow to their opponents. Additionally, the Heat have been averaging 12.6 made 3-pointers per game, which is 1.0 fewer than the 13.6 per game that the Hornets allow.
While Charlotte is plagued with various injuries, including Ball, both teams are eager to secure a victory in this second matchup of the season. In their previous encounter on Nov. 15, the Heat emerged victorious with a score of 111-105.