Time to get back on track- Heat GDT
Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 12:03 pm
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.
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.