Miami Heat will host the Los Angeles Clippers at the Kaseya Center tonight for their second game of the season. The first time they met was on 1st January when the Heat was defeated 121-104 by the Clippers. Miami ranks 7th in the Eastern Conference, leading the Southwest Division with a 26-23 record. The Clippers, on the other hand, are third in the Western Conference and atop the Pacific Division.

Both teams are coming off two back-to-back wins and will look to remain in the win column. With injuries plenty on both sides, let us take a look at the projected lineups as each team looks forward to maintaining their winning streak.

Miami is starting with its usual lineup

At the Clippers’ end, we have Moussa Diabate, who is out due to a right-hand metacarpal, and Ivica Zubac, who is questionable following a right calf strain. So, we can expect the starters to be Paul George (SF), Kawhi Leonard (PF), Terrance Mann (SG), James Harden (PG), and Mason Plumlee as the center, filling in for Ivica.

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The Heat has Jamal Cain on the injury list, who is questionable for tonight due to an illness. Duncan Robinson is out (concussion protocol). The projected starting lineup is Terry Rozier (PG), Tyler Herro (SG), Jimmy Butler (SF), Haywood Highsmith (PF), and big man Bam Adebayo at the center. Dru Smith is out for the season due to an ACL injury.

Overview of past meetings

The Heat has won three of the previous four meetings against the Clippers, having swept the series 2-0 last season. Miami has won three out of their last 11 games and has been showing some signs of struggle on the offensive end. They have a 13-11 home record as they gear up to go against a Western Conference powerhouse. The Clippers have won nine of their last 11 games and hold a 13-11 away record.

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LA is a rising team in the West, and it has only been propelled further by its healthy roster. This has been a huge improvement considering that their performance over the previous seasons was impacted by the poor health of their star players, Kawhi and PG. The star-studded team is now brimming with offensive power and the Heat will need more than just good luck to pocket a win tonight.

Who do you think has the upper hand in this matchup? Will the Heat defeat the offensively packed Clippers? Share your thoughts!