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The Miami Heat, the NBA's two-time defending champions will come to Verizon Center Monday. With the Wizards in control of their playoff destiny and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, this is yet again another game that they must play with urgency so they can continue to remain in control.
Where and when? 7 p.m. at Verizon Center.
Who's out officially? The Wizards have everyone available, but expect Glen Rice, Jr. not to dress up. Chris Singleton's also unlikely to dress, in particular if Nene plays.
Will LeBron, Wade, and Bosh play? It sounds like James and Bosh are out, but Wade will suit up.
Bosh and LeBron likely out tonight.
— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) April 14, 2014
Tonight’s projected starting lineup against the Wizards: Haslem, Battier, Beasley, Chalmers, Wade
— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) April 14, 2014
The Heat technically have a shot at the No. 1 seed, but appear to be prioritizing rest.
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What are they good at? The Heat are one of the best NBA teams on both offense and defense. Toward the end of the regular season, this team is good at sitting down its top stars. Last year, one Heat fan who traveled to Washington from New York City for an April game was upset that that happened.
What are they not good at? Not much to quibble about the Heat. Perhaps they should have won more than 54 regular season games this season; they're more than capable of that. At the same time however, the Miami Heat is pacing for the playoffs more so than trying to win as many games as possible earlier in the regular season.
Who wins? Without LeBron and Wade, the Wizards should be favored. That'd mean the Wizards would sweep the Heat at home this season.