Imago
Jan 30, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to pass as Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends on the play in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Imago
Jan 30, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to pass as Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends on the play in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
The Eastern Conference action resumes as the Miami Heat host the Charlotte Hornets tonight. They go toe to toe at the American Airlines Arena at 7:30 pm EST in their first meeting of the season.
The Heat have had a tough start to their season. Their record is currently 7-12, and they have missed many important players in these games. They finally broke their five-game losing streak on Saturday against the Kings and will hope to start a winning run now.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
The Hornets’ record is 9-11 at the moment, and they have improved a lot from their previous season. They arrive in Miami on the back of two excellent wins against the Pacers and the Bucks, so they know they can topple the Heat if they continue to play at their best.
Miami Heat: Expected lineups
The Heat still have eight players on their injury list. Chris Silva (hip), Meyers Leonard (shoulder), and Maurice Harkless (thigh) are all out for the game. Gabe Vincent, Tyler Herro, Goran Dragic, Avery Bradley, and Andre Iguodala are questionable and could play tonight.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 23, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball as center Bam Adebayo (13) runs a pick against Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (middle) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Their lineup will feature Goran Dragic and Tyler Herro as their guards, Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson as their forwards, and Bam Adebayo as their center. KZ Okapala or Vincent could replace Dragic if he still isn’t fit.
Charlotte Hornets: Expected lineups
The Hornets are a lot luckier than the Heat in terms of injuries. They only have Terry Rozier listed as questionable after he left the game against the Bucks with an ankle injury.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 22, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward (20) and guard Terry Rozier (3) talk over the last play against the Chicago Bulls during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
They are likely to start with Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham as their guards, Gordon Hayward and PJ Washington as their forwards, and Cody Zeller as their center. If Rozier is unable to return in time, LaMelo Ball could potentially get his first start of the season.
Predictions
Both teams have momentum coming into this game. The Heat have Butler back while the Hornets have beat two of the best teams in the Conference. So it has the makings of a close game, but the Heat could edge out the Hornets if their players are fit in time for the game.
LaMelo and Hayward have been excellent so far, and stopping them will be tough, but the Heat have more depth to take home the win.
