For the second time in a week’s span, the Nets will take on the worldwide attraction known as the Miami Heat. Last Sunday, the Heat knocked off New Jersey 101-78 at the Prudential Center.
The Nets (2-3) have stumbled of late, dropping their last three in a row after opening the season with two victories. They played an inspired first half against Orlando Friday night, leading the Magic at the break, but didn’t have an answer for Dwight Howard and eventually fell 105-90. Brook Lopez, the Nets’ leading scorer, shot 3-of-17 from the field, and will look to bounce back with the quick turnaround from one night to the next.
The Heat (4-2) had its four-game winning streak snapped Friday night in New Orleans in a 96-93 defeat at the hands of the undefeated Hornets. Miami had a chance to tie it in the final seconds, leading to the much-anticipated first-ever “who gets the ball with the game on the line” situation, and it ended up being … Eddie House. Dwyane Wade caught an inbounds pass at the top of the key, but rather than force a contested look, he dished it to House on the left wing who missed his attempt for three.
Point guard and center, the two spots on the floor not occupied by a member of Miami’s “big three,” continue to be question marks for the Heat. Hornets center Emeka Okafor tallied 26 points and 13 rebounds against Miami’s front line, while Chris Paul finished with 13 points and 19 assists, the last of which set up a clutch 3-pointer by Trevor Ariza in the game’s final minute. Their Miami counterparts, Joel Anthony and Carlos Arroyo, combined for just two points. Miami was led by Wade’s 28 points and LeBron James’ 20.
New Jersey Nets (2-3) Projected Starting Lineup
- PG Devin Harris
- SG Anthony Morrow
- SF Travis Outlaw
- PF Troy Murphy
- C Brook Lopez
Miami Heat (4-2) Projected Starting Lineup
- PG Carlos Arroyo
- SG Dwyane Wade
- SF LeBron James
- PF Chris Bosh
- C Joel Anthony