Regular Season Game 22
Heat (9-12) vs. Wizards (10-11)
Verizon Center
7 PM
CSN, Sun Sports, and NBA League Pass
When the Wizards last beat the Miami Heat, Michael Jordan was still on the team and Caron Butler was the baby-faced rookie leading the team in scoring. Needless to say, a lot has changed since then.
The Heat may not be in first place in the division, but they still represent a hurdle this team has never cleared. Miami may not be the standard anymore in the East, but a win here would be a significant confidence boost, even if Shaq and Dwayne Wade are expected to miss the game.
The Heat nearly came all the way back against the Suns on Wednesday, but fell just short. They may not have their stars, but the Wizards cannot underestimate them. They still have a number of consumate professionals and intriguing youngsters than can give the Wizards a fight. However, as long as the Wizards are playing their game, this should be an easy win.
Projected Starters
MIAMI
PG: Jason Williams
SG: Jason Kapono
SF: Dorrell Wright
PF: Udonis Haslem
C: Alonzo Mourning
WIZARDS
PG: Gilbert Arenas
SG: DeShawn Stevenson
SF: Caron Butler
PF: Antawn Jamison
C: Brendan Haywood
Etan Thomas remains out with an injury, so Haywood should start again. It may be a blessing in disguise, because, as mentioned below, the Wizards are a better defensive team when Haywood is in the game. Hopefully, that will continue to translate into tonight.
Heat blogs: Crazy From the Heat
Again, like before, if you're going to be there (or, more accurately, were there), drop me an e-mail with your postgame thoughts. I'll put them up on the blog the next day.
Also, the contest is still in effect, even though the only people entered so far are Seth and Hype. Remember, you can join at any time, and I promise something cool for the winners.
Here are your lines.
Heat at Wizards: Wizards by 10.5
Over-under on Big 3: 64.3 points.
This is an open game thread, so post anything that comes to your head if you're watching/listening.