I wouldn't say the Heat are desperate for a win, but after the tough loss to Dallas on Friday, this is a team that really need to log a W. Memphis comes to town with a poor 3-9 road record, but they are facing a Miami team that has lost three straight on their home court. At this point, the Heat can't be looking at their opponents record or players, all that is irrelevant. Right now the one and only thing players should be worried about is getting wins. Plain and simple.
The timing is tough for Miami, with a couple starters banged up and playing hurt. Quentin Richardson tried to play through a hamstring injury on Friday but managed to play just six minutes against the Mavs. He'll miss the game tonight and its unknown how long he will have to rest his nagging hammy. It's also unknown who will start for Q. Dorell Wright has been gobbling up minutes of late, but he had a sub-par game against Dallas. It will be either Wright, James Jones (who has already started 5 games for an injured Richardson) or Daequan Cook.
Also injured for the Heat is D-Wade, who hurt his right (shooting) wrist breaking his fall after a failed reverse dunk attempt on Friday. Wade has been getting treatment for his wrist and both he and Coach Spoelstra expect Dwyane to play on Sunday. I see this as a possible blessing in disguise...as maybe Wade will shy away from the long jumpers and drive with the ball more for the ‘easier' looks at the basket.
GAME NOTES
- The Heat are averaging just 88.7 points over their last 6 home games.
- Memphis had won 3 straight before losing to the Thunder on Friday.
- Jermaine O'Neal will be back in the lineup for Miami. He returned to practice with the team on Saturday after missing 2 games due to the passing of his uncle.
- The guy to watch on the Grizz is Zach Randolph, who has 4 straight double doubles. In those games he is averaging 23.8 points and 14.8 rebounds.
Tipoff will be 6pm from the AAA, the usual Sunday start time. Hopefully there will be a decent crowd in the Heat's house...