It seems that a lot of negative attention has been focused on Dwyane Wade lately, and his most recent performance against Portland isn't doing much to discourage the harsh words. It's no secret that Wade has been playing hurt, but since in today's professional sports world the true status of injured players is often kept behind closed doors, it's impossible for any of us to know the severity of D-Wade's injuries.
In the mean time, it's been a great opportunity for us to see what a stud Michael Beasley is turning out to be. It won't be long before he can be a true #1 option anytime on the floor, but what I've been most impressed with is the consistent improvements in his defense. Beasley has come a long way this season, a lot farther then his fellow ‘08 draftee teammate, Mario Chalmers.
Looking at tonight's game, once again the Heat will get to play a team fresh off a loss in Orlando. Utah has a solid roster, but like the Heat they have been dealing with some very inconsistent play. They are at the end of a 5-game road trip that includes wins in New Jersey and Charlotte and losses in Atlanta and Orlando. I'd say that right now I'd rank the Heat somewhere in between the two good teams and the two not so good teams...so it should be interesting to see which Heat team shows up tonight.
GAME NOTES
- The Heat have won 6-straight games against Utah at the AAA.
- Carlos Boozer has said he'd like to come play in Miami after his contract with Utah is up at the end of this season. He's 3rd in the NBA with 18 double-doubles this season.
- Speaking of double-doubles, Jazz point guard Deron Williams has one in 9 of his 11 games.
- Williams is also 3rd in the NBA averaging 10.2 assists per game.
- Miami is 10-1 this season when leading heading into the 4th quarter.
- Jazz swingman Kyle Korver is going to be a game-time decision with a knee injury.
- Utah has a mediocre 5-9 record on the road. The Heat could be considered worse at home, just 8-8.
Tipoff from downtown Miami is at 7:30. Hopefully a nice bounce-back game after the late loss on Sunday to the Blazers.