Golden State Warriors vs. Miami Heat: Game Preview, Prediction
By Dan Schultz
@DSchultz89
Getty Images
Golden State Warriors (10-2) vs. Miami Heat (8-6)
Game Time, TV: Tuesday, November 25 – 7:30 ET on NBATV
Projected Starting Lineups:
Golden State Warriors: PG: Stephen Curry, SG: Klay Thompson, SF: Harrison Barnes, PF: Draymond Green, C: Andrew Bogut
Miami Heat: PG: Mario Chalmers, SG: Dwyane Wade, SF: Luol Deng, PF: Shawne Williams, C: Chris Bosh
The Heat will face the biggest challenge of their young season when they take on the Warriors in Miami on Tuesday night. Bosh has been the leader of the Heat thus far, especially during the last three games where he has averaged 27 PPG and nine RPG. Deng has also been extremely impressive so far with his new club, averaging 14.7 PPG on 50 percent shooting from the field and a 39 percent mark from outside.
Just like the Heat, the Warriors have elected to play a small-ball lineup featuring both Barnes and Green in the starting five. So far, this decision has paid huge dividends, giving sharpshooters Curry and Thompson the space they need to snipe from anywhere on the court. The Warriors’ bench has also been tremendous, especially Marreese Speights who recorded 28 points and seven rebounds in only 25 minutes in the team’s 91-86 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night.
The key matchup will be Warriors center Bogut against Bosh. So far, Bosh has had his way shooting from both the mid-range and around the rim, but Bogut is an excellent defender. It will be important for him to stay out of foul trouble and not fall for Bosh’s pump fakes from outside the paint in which he can utilize his length and ability to draw fouls on the drive.
A huge question mark heading into this game is the availability of Wade, who has missed the last six games due to injury.
Sadly, even if he is healthy I do not see the Heat winning this game, as the Warriors’ high-octane offense will simply be too much to handle in this one.
Prediction: Warriors 111, Heat 95
Dan Schultz is an NBA sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
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