Heat set to host Brooklyn Nets

The Nets will have their hands full trying to defend Miami tonight. The Heat have been an offensive juggernaut to start the regular season, scoring more than 118 points in three of their first four games. Following their impressive win against the Suns, Jared Dudley provided this summary of how the Heat are playing.

"That was probably the most unselfish team I’ve ever played against since I’ve been in the NBA. It was drive, kick, swing, penetrate, flair -- I mean they were hitting everyone. That’s the way basketball is supposed to be played. They perfected it to a T". Dudley said.

Key Matchups

Chalmers vs Williams

Battle of the point guards. The Brooklyn Nets will offer a greater challenge than the Suns however, so it will be interesting to see who guards who. Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, arguable the best back court in the NBA, will likely force Erik Spoelstra to play a bigger lineup. Everything is a chess move though because it depends on how Avery Johnson decides to play. If the Nets go small with C.J. Watson at the 1 and Williams at the 2, Dwyane Wade will defend Williams.

Mario Chalmers has had a surprisingly strong start this year and I expect him to take this game very seriously. He already plays with a chip on his shoulder and got publicly mauled over the summer when he told the media he was on the front end of the top 10 point guards in the league. This season, Mario has racked up 11 assists twice and leads the team with 9 total steals.

Wade vs Bogans

In the playoffs of 2011, Keith Bogans did an excellent job getting in the face of Wade, roughing him up and making things difficult. With Gerald Wallace out (ankle), Johnson should slide over the to the 3 and Bogans should get the start. I'd expect Wade to play with an edge tonight because I'm pretty sure he remembers Bogans from that physical Bulls series.

Prediction

Heat will win by double digits: 116- 97