:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4216273/20120416_ajw_sn3_159.0.jpg)
The Miami Heat will be hosting the Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida. Tonight will mark the second of three meetings this season between the two clubs, and the last time they face off in Florida. They will match up again in Brooklyn on January 30th. The Heat will be playing in the final game of a four game homestand. They’re coming off a seven point win over the Milwaukee Bucks last Wednesday night, a 110-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers last Saturday, and a 105-100 win over the San Antonio Spurs two nights ago. The Heat will be traveling to our Nation’s Capital to face the Washington Wizards on Monday before returning home to open a six game homestand. The Nets are closing a three game roadtrip. They won their first two, defeating the Boston Celtics 95-83 on Wednesday, and the Orlando Magic, 98-86 last night. They open up a four game homestand on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Miami won a laugher on November 7th, when the two teams last met, at the AAA in Miami. Here's the NBA.COM partial recap:
The Miami Heat defeated the Brooklyn Nets 103-73 Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Guard Dwyane Wade led all scorers with 22 points for the Heat, who shot 52 percent from the field. Forward LeBron James finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists while swingman Rashard Lewis added 13 points off the bench.
After the defense was questioned through four games, the Heat turned in their best performance of the season. They held the Nets to 37 percent shooting, including 3-for-21 from 3-point range.
Miami shook off a slow start before taking control in the third quarter. The Heat got a little help from the 3-pointer, hitting 10-for-24 from the arc.
The Nets were led by Deron Williams' 14 points and three assists.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra spoke afterward about keeping the Nets field goal percentage down:
"It is good to see another game of sub-40 percent field goal percentage. Our guys were committing to try and make an impact on that side of the floor. This is two games in a row of making that commitment and we will continue to build that. We are slowly regaining our identity again."
For the Nets point of view, check out Nets Daily.
Miami is coming off a five point win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. Here's the partial NBA.COM recap:
The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-100 Thursday at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Heat forward LeBron James led all scorers with 23 points, but it was Ray Allen's 3-pointer with 22.6 seconds remaining that proved to be the difference. Allen received a pass from James at the wing to put the Heat ahead 100-98.
Miami trailed 98-93 before making its move late in the fourth quarter. The game was much closer than many expected because the Spurs were playing without stars Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and starter Danny Green. Coach Gregg Popovich sent the players home Thursday morning after a game the previous night in Orlando.
Popovich said the decision was based on the team playing four games in five nights. The Spurs started Boris Diaw, Matt Bonner, Tiago Splitter, Nando De Colo and Patty Mills.
Splitter led the Spurs with 18 points and nine rebounds. Guard Dwyane Wade had 19 points for the Heat while center Chris Bosh added 18 and 12 rebounds.
NBA Commissioner David Stern issued a statement when he learned about coach Greg Popovich's starting five:
"I apologize to all NBA fans. This was an unacceptable decision by the San Antonio Spurs and substantial sanctions will be forthcoming."
For the Spurs perspective, check out Pounding the Rock.
The Nets are coming off a 12 point win last night in Orlando. NBA.COM has the recap:
Joe Johnson helped the surging Brooklyn Nets handle the absence of Brook Lopez.
With Lopez sidelined for the first time this season, Johnson helped fill the void with 22 points and the Nets earned their fifth straight victory, holding off the Orlando Magic 98-86 on Friday night.
Gerald Wallace added 20 points, including five 3-pointers, as all five Brooklyn starters reached double figures.
Nets guard Deron Williams spoke afterward about the Nets unexpected depth this season:
"We have a very deep team. That's what we've been banking on all year. If a guy goes out here and there, we have other guys that can step in and fill in for them."
Check out Orlando Pinstriped Post for all the Magic news you could possibly need.
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
Current Odds: Miami by -8
All-Time Series: 57-41, .582
Season Series: Miami leads, 1-0
Standings:
Miami Heat: 11-3, first in the Southeast Division, first in the Eastern Conference, second in the NBA. Last five: W-W-W-W-W. Current odds of making the postseason: 97.7%
Brooklyn Nets: 11-4, tied for first in the Atlantic Division, tied for second in the Eastern Conference, tied for fifth in the NBA. Last five: W-W-W-W-W, Current odds of making the postseason: 98.0%