NBA Miami Heat

5 Reasons Why Miami Heat Will Beat Houston Rockets

5 Reasons Why Miami Heat Will Beat Houston Rockets

Miami Heat v Memphis Grizzlies
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The Miami Heat franchise has not suffered a hangover after four intoxicating years of LeBron James and a break-up that nearly dismantled the organization. Instead, the team is the last remaining unbeaten in the Eastern Conference and one of four in the NBA at 3-0. Miami will face a real test in the undefeated Houston Rockets, but here are five reasons why the Heat will improve to 4-0.

5. Point Guard Advantage

Mario Chalmers Norris Cole Heat
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5. Point Guard Advantage

Mario Chamlers Norris Cole Heat
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Coach Erik Spoelstra made a bold move when he started Norris Cole and used Mario Chalmers as the sixth man, and they are combining for over 25 points per game. The Rockets' PG situation isn’t as great as Patrick Beverley and Isaiah Canaan combine for just over 14 points.

4. Deeper Bench

Shabazz Napier Chris Andersen Heat
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4. Deeper Bench

Shabazz Napier Chris Andersen Heat
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Speaking of Chalmers coming off the bench, that move has drastically improved Miami’s bench production. Not only is the bench averaging 28.3 PPG, but Spoelstra has a solid 10-man lineup to work with. Shabazz Napier and James Ennis are improving each game and Shannon Brown finally made his debut. The Rockets' bench has many new names, but it has not truly been tested.

3. A Healthy Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade Heat
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3. A Healthy Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade Heat
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Dwyane Wade looks healthy and happy, a great sign for Miami and for Chris Bosh. Wade has played in all three games and is averaging over 30 minutes per game. He is averaging 16.3 PPG, but more importantly, he is sharing the ball and averaging 6.7 APG. He may never be “Flash” again, but Wade is learning to adjust.

2. An Angry Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh Heat
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2. An Angry Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh Heat
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Nothing would make Bosh happier than to lead his team to an NBA Championship. With James gone, it’s the big man’s turn to shine in South Beach and he hasn’t wasted any time. Bosh is averaging 25.7 PPG and 11.3 RPG. He has something to prove and that has returned his aggression on the court.

1. Nothing to Lose

Dancers Heat
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

1. Nothing to Lose

Dancers Heat
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Once LeBron James went back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, ESPN and the bandwagoners lost all interest in South Beach. No one besides the Heat themselves set high expectation, and this has benefitted the Heat greatly. With James comes a heavy burden of needed success. The burden is gone and Miami can focus on having fun while aiming for a title post-James.

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