Time to get back on track- Heat GDT

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Ok, my 2-0 record is back on the job after the GDT thread was highjacked last game...with predictable results :) . Actually I think we can toss out the Portland loss due to the extreme emotional environment of the evening. Any armchair psychologist could have predicted that the Wolves would come out strong with smoke coming out of their ears, and then fade. I give them a lot of credit for their furious comeback from a 10-point deficit late in the game, but in the end they couldn't prevail against Portland, the referees, and emotional fatigue. I think we will find out a lot more about this club tonight in more normal circumstances.

For the third time this year the Wolves are 3 1/2 point underdogs (first time at home), and they have won the other two underdog games (they were favored in their only loss). Miami has a good team, but we are catching them at a good time and I think the Wolves confound the oddsmakers for a 4th consecutive time. It's a new year, and there are hopefully going to be a lot games in which we are healthier than our opponent unlike almost any games last year. Pek is still out for us, but Gerald Green has mysteriously landed in the hospital, and he has been their most prolific 3-point shooter in their first 4 games. More importantly, Wade missed a lot of their last game with migraines, and is taking medication for the ailment...we don't know how that may impact him tonight. Reserves Haslem and McRoberts are also battling injuries but will play.

Once again, Wiggins will have a mouse in the house as he enjoys a 5-inch height advantage over Wade. It didn't work out well last game, and Wig needs to step it up and have a big game. Wade has a reputation as a good defender, but I think his stats are Brewer-like. He takes a lot of chances in the passing lanes and that results in a lot of steals, but he also leaves his man open frequently. The opportunity is there for Wig...he needs to take advantage of it this time.

KAT has his toughest test of the year going up against Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside is averaging 15.8 and 11 and is shooting 76%, and is blocking 3 1/2 shots per game and altering many more...he's a force close to the basket. KAT may have to operate outside, which will leave room for Wig and Bazz to operate inside if Whiteside chases him. I can't watch the game tonight, but I'm looking forward to hearing from you guys how KAT fares against Whiteside.

This is the best team the Wolves have played this year (only losses to the Cavs and Hawks, and a victory over the Rockets), but I think the Wolves prevail 99-96. I think the loss of Green is big for this game, and if Wade is slowed too, it makes a win more likely. By the way, if you're a betting man, you may want to go the opposite way from me...I called the Denver and Portland games wrong.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I agree that this game could go either way. Gerald Green seems like one of these guys that always gets up for games against the Wolves (he broke our hearts in one of those infamous "close game" losses in the first half of the 2013-14 season with a ridiculously well-contested prayer), so I'm glad to hear he's out.

Wade has two things going for him against Wiggins: 1) He's strong as hell, and 2) the refs will probably let him get away with murder. So I don't think Wiggins will have much success against him tonight unless he's actually making shots (versus just posting up and drawing a bunch of fouls....Not happening against Wade).

Miami is the more talented squad, but we're playing at home. Flip a coin I guess.

[Monster]

I agree with Q it seems like Green was another guy that always went off against the Wolves. I hope things are ok with him the circumstances sound strange.

I am looking forward to the mythical beast that is Whiteside. It's been years since I have seen him play. He is a heck of a story at this point I admit to being skeptical but I should be cheering for him to succeed even if it's for another team. The talent always seemed to be there from what I saw in SL games etc but it was more a mental aspect and developing his body a little more as he got older. Like Insaid Ineill be interested to see him play and also him playing against a Towns. I'll be watching the game at a later time as I have other plans for tonight.

One other note is that I like that Sam is wanting guys to be aggressive. Bjelica is one guy he has mentioned he really wants to be more aggressive scoring the ball. Bjelica said it's an adjustment for him. Bjelica has the skills to put the ball in the hoop and one thing that's been clear to me that his teammates and the coaching staff see if he has the ball he can bring it up and do something with it. Earlier in the preseason guys treated him as a typical big man waiting for him to pass the ball to them to bring it up. He has been more aggressive and they have been getting up the floor. The coaching staff hasn't reigned him in there so that's good.

[m4gor [enjin:6667447]]

i am surprised that espn and betting companies are having us only +4, would expect a bit more trust for Heat .. not gonna bet against wolves tho ever .. I really want to see Whiteside vs Towns matchup

[bleedspeed]

I would love to see Pek/KAT vs Whiteside/Bosh.

[60WinTim]

No Green. No Chalmers. But Wiggins on Wade and Towns on Whiteside should be pretty entertaining.

I would assume most of you 20 win season guys expect a loss tonight...

[Volans19]

Let's go Miller *clap, clap, clap* Let's go Miller

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

No Gerald Green? Thank God. That guy always kills us no matter what uniform he's wearing, including ours.

[worldK]

Whiteside is a beast

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Man, they are doing everything they possibly can to get Wiggins going. Not happening for him though.