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Coming off the their first back to back losses since late November, the Miami Heat will look to regroup tonight in Chicago against the Bulls. It's still unknown whether or not LeBron James will play though I have been hearing that he is expected to. Funnily enough, it seems a lot of the focus around this game will center more around Dwyane Wade and less about LeBron.
I think its funny that in most buildings Miami travels to, its James that get's the boo's and has to endure all the hatred that NBA fans throw at the Heat. Tonight however, I have a feeling that D-Wade is going to have to deal with returning to his hometown and getting a not-so-nice reception.
Over the summer it seemed that the Heat and Bulls were the only real competitors in the Dwyane Wade sweepstakes, and he scorned his hometown to stick with the team that drafted him, developed him and that he took over. He stuck with the team that he took to an NBA title and it certainly seems that there will be more opportunities to reach that goal again.
In the meantime, he and the rest of the Heat are headed into Chicago not worrying about who will get booed or who is going to play. They are more concerned with getting back in the win column and ending this road trip on a positive note. Here is an interesting stat... The Heat have allowed an average of 120.5 points during their last two losses after allowing an average of 90.5 during their run of 21 wins in 22 games.
GAME NOTES
- LeBron James is averaging 29.2 points against the Bulls in his career.
- Even with their current losing streak, the Heat has still won 13 straight games against the Eastern Conference.
- Bulls stud Derrick Rose is averaging 27.6 points in his last 5 games.
- Miami has won 7 of their last 9 games against Chicago.
- The Bulls have won 7 straight home games. They haven't won 8 straight at the United Center since 2005.
- Udonis Haslem (foot) remains out for the Heat. Jamaal Magloire (back) is also expected to be unavailable. LeBron James (ankle) is likely to play.
- For Chicago, Joakim Noah (thumb) is out.
Tipoff from Chi-town is set for 8pm. For those of you outside of South Florida, the game will be broadcast on NBA TV. Enjoy, and Lets go Heat!