Heat Vs. Mavericks Preview: Heat Comes Home After Two Tough Road Losses

The Heat are coming off consecutive double digit losses for the first time with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on their team. Not the best way to be entering a game against the defending NBA champions in the Dallas Mavericks. But its a good time to be playing a game at American Airlines Arena, where the Heat have won 14 straight.

The Heat know that James will be playing despite a dislocated finger on his non-shooting hand that he suffered in the loss to Indiana on Monday. He has also been complaining about discomfort in his right elbow, so there is the possibility that he may not be as effective as usual. Both Wade and Bosh will have to pick up the slack to beat a Mavericks team that struggled a bit, losing 11 of 18 games before winning their last two games.

Guard Mario Chalmers might be relied upon more for his shooting ability in this game if James does not play effectively due to his injuries. Chalmers averages just under 10 points per game and averages 41.5 percent shooting from three-point range.

The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. with television coverage on TNT.