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GAME PREVIEW: Heat visit Clippers seeking to avenge January loss

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The Heat are looking to bounce back from a loss, and also get some revenge for a loss to the Clippers earlier this season.

By Matt Pineda
/ new
Los Angeles Clippers v Miami Heat Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

GAME STORY

The Miami Heat will continue their 7-game road trip with their third stop, this one in L.A. to face the Clippers. The Heat already blew a home game against the Clippers this season when Paul George and Kawhi Leonard both missed the game. And this is their chance for a little revenge, as both of those players’ status for tonight is uncertain.

The Clippers will be the Heat’s second straight opponent that is on the backside of a back-to-back. That didn’t help them on Saturday in Utah against the Jazz, but maybe it can help here.

Paul George is out with a foot injury, but Kawhi Leonard (26.7 PPG) is uncertain in his status. That will make a big difference in the Heat’s approach and opportunity in this game. Goran Dragic is still listed as out for Miami, but they really need him back. The Heat will need to score well to beat the Clippers, they won’t win this game scoring under 100 points.

If Kawhi is out, the Heat should be in a much more favorable situation on the defensive end. They will be able to hide Duncan on Beverely and move Butler to guard Loe Williams while Nunn stays with Reggie Jackson. Adebayo “should” be able to get what he wants against Ibaka and Batum — but nothing is ever easy. The matchups don’t seem slanted as much. Stay up late and watch the game with us!

This game is on national television by NBATV.

ODDS: FiveThirtyEight gives the Heat a 31% chance to win the game.

HEAT VS CLIPPERS: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT 10:00 PM.

INJURIES

MIAMI:

  • Meyers Leonard: out for season (shoulder)
  • Avery Bradley: out (calf)
  • Chris Silva: out (hip)
  • Goran Dragic: out (ankle)

LA:

  • Paul George: out (toe/foot)
  • Kawhi Leonard: day-to-day

LINEUPS

Projected Starters

Celtics Position Heat
Celtics Position Heat
Marcus Smart PG Kyle Lowry
Jaylen Brown SG Max Strus
Jayson Tatum SF Jimmy Butler
Al Horford PF PJ Tucker
Robert Williams III C Bam Adebayo

BROADCAST INFO

TV: NBATV, FOX SPORTS SUN
RADIO: The Ticket 790AM & The HEAT Radio Network (Mike Inglis, Ruth Riley Hunter)
SPANISH RADIO: WAQI 710AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda, Joe Pujala)

Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!

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