Hopes dashed...time for teeth gnashing and Mo bashing----Heat GDT
Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 4:59 pm
It doesn't feel as fun going into this game as it did going into yesterday's, but there are still a lot of things to watch...mainly development of our young guys, now including Zach.
Miami is favored by 7, but really isn't a very good team. They started out 3-0 against 2 Eastern Division teams and a CBA team (Philly), and then showed what they really are in their first venture into the West with a 17 point loss at home to Houston. With their post-LeBron bubble popped, they followed that loss up with another loss at Charlotte. I think the Heat had a lot of "let's show we can play without LeBron" energy as they went 3-0, but now the reality has set in that they are a mediocre basketball team.
But the Wolves are a mediocre team at best without their Rubio, and hence the lopsided line. The Wolves' only chance is if they can channel the same kind of "let's show we can play without Ricky" energy that carried the Heat a week ago. I'm saying they have a chance.
Chris Bosh has been born again post-James, and is having a terrific start to the season. Unfortunately, he likes to score from places that Pek doesn't visit very often...i.e. far from the basket...so Flip may have to turn to Dieng if Bosh goes off. The starting center matchup is intriguing though, because Pek should be able to score at will on Bosh, who has neither the bulk or rim-defending skills to stop him. It will be interesting to see what Flip does at center.
Wade and Deng are nice players, but somewhat on the decline, and everyone behind their "Big 3" defines mediocrity. The Heat may not be a playoff team in the East, and that's saying something. Whether the Wolves can be competitive tonight depends on how they respond to the loss of their leader and star. I think Flip will be gauging the energy level tonight, and rewarding guys who look like they want to play hard. Might be good news for Muhammad and Brewer...hopefully they answer the call.
Miami is favored by 7, but really isn't a very good team. They started out 3-0 against 2 Eastern Division teams and a CBA team (Philly), and then showed what they really are in their first venture into the West with a 17 point loss at home to Houston. With their post-LeBron bubble popped, they followed that loss up with another loss at Charlotte. I think the Heat had a lot of "let's show we can play without LeBron" energy as they went 3-0, but now the reality has set in that they are a mediocre basketball team.
But the Wolves are a mediocre team at best without their Rubio, and hence the lopsided line. The Wolves' only chance is if they can channel the same kind of "let's show we can play without Ricky" energy that carried the Heat a week ago. I'm saying they have a chance.
Chris Bosh has been born again post-James, and is having a terrific start to the season. Unfortunately, he likes to score from places that Pek doesn't visit very often...i.e. far from the basket...so Flip may have to turn to Dieng if Bosh goes off. The starting center matchup is intriguing though, because Pek should be able to score at will on Bosh, who has neither the bulk or rim-defending skills to stop him. It will be interesting to see what Flip does at center.
Wade and Deng are nice players, but somewhat on the decline, and everyone behind their "Big 3" defines mediocrity. The Heat may not be a playoff team in the East, and that's saying something. Whether the Wolves can be competitive tonight depends on how they respond to the loss of their leader and star. I think Flip will be gauging the energy level tonight, and rewarding guys who look like they want to play hard. Might be good news for Muhammad and Brewer...hopefully they answer the call.