Game Preview: Miami Heat host the OKC Thunder in a nationally televised game on TNT

January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 Admin

After a heart breaking loss for the Miami Heat last game against Brooklyn on Sunday, they have a chance to respond with a win tonight against the OKC Thunder. A win would push Miami back to 2 games above .500, and the Heat defeated the Thunder last time in OKC not too long ago. In that game, Tyler Herro iced it with a clutch game winning jumper.

This time around, it’s yet to be known if Herro will be available. Him and Bam Adebayo both suffered with injuries the last game. Herro slipped on the court in the final possession and is now questionable with achilles soreness. Adebayo injured himself in the process of hitting a poster dunk on Joe Harris. As right after the play he was holding onto his wrist.

Luckily, x-rays came back negative and it seems like Adebayo will be ok. He avoided a serious injury, but his status for tonight is up in the air as well.

To add to an already hefty injury report once again, Kyle Lowry is already listed as out himself with some knee pain. The problems with his knee could be the reasoning for his underwhelming performances as of late, so the rest should be benefit both him and the team. Jimmy Butler could very possibly wind up being the lone everyday starter playing in this matchup. Expect Gabe Vincent to fill in as the starting PG.

For Miami to come away with this victory, they are going to need to contain superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is a player averaging over 30.0 PPG and can get hot real fast. Josh Giddey is another young stud that should not be slept on, look for him to do some play making for the Thunder. Playing up on both those guys and getting into the passing lanes especially for Giddey will be crucial.

The game tonight will be nationally televised on TNT.