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GAME STORY
The Miami Heat (47-26) are coming off of two really bad and disappointing losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors. Both teams were missing multiple All-Stars, and the Heat failed to win either game. And in the midst of it, had a blow-up on their own sideline.
Now, it’s time for them to regroup and get back on track. Miami has their next three games at home beginning with a back-to-back against the Knicks and Nets.
The Knicks are sitting 5 games out of the final play-in spot so their fate is nearly sealed to be back in the lottery after their performance last season. And they are hurting. With Julius Randle questionable, it leaves RJ Barrett the main offensive creator for the team. If Robinson and Randle are both out (they are questionable and missed the last game) then the Heat will be able to get to the paint easier.
However, without them, the Knicks' defense changes and will be able to close out and limit open three-point attempts better. Regardless, this is a game the Heat MUST WIN considering the circumstances. The Bucks are now only 1 game back of the Heat, while the Celtics and 76ers are 1.5 GB of Miami for the top seed in the East.
Regardless of seeding, this team needs to come together and put forth a solid showing for a full game. The Heat are 2-0 against the Knicks this season and this is their final matchup.
Eastern Conference Finals Schedule
| GAME | DATE | MATCHUP | TIME | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAME | DATE | MATCHUP | TIME | TV |
| Game 1 | Tuesday, May 17 | Boston @ Miami | 8:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Game 2 | Thursday, May 19 | Boston @ Miami | 8:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Game 3 | Saturday, May 21 | Miami @ Boston | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC |
| Game 4 | Monday, May 23 | Miami @ Boston | 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC |
| Game 5* | Wednesday, May 25 | Boston @ Miami | 8:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Game 6* | Friday, May 27 | Miami @ Boston | 8:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Game 7* | Sunday, May 29 | Boston @ Miami | 8:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
INACTIVE/INJURIES
MIAMI:
- Javonte Smart: out (two-way)
- Caleb Martin: questionable (knee)
- Tyler Herro: questionable (knee)
- Jimmy Butler: questionable (ankle)
- PJ Tucker: questionable (knee)
- Gabe Vincent: out (toe)
- Victor Oladipo: out: (knee)
NEW YORK:
- Derrick Rose: out
- Cam Reddish: out
- Nerlens Noel: out
- Julius Randle: questionable (quad)
- Mitchell Robinson: questionable (back)
LINEUPS
Projected Starters
| Clippers | Position | Heat |
|---|---|---|
| Clippers | Position | Heat |
| Reggie Jackson | PG | Kyle Lowry |
| Paul George | SG | Tyler Herro |
| Kawhi Leonard | SF | Jimmy Butler |
| Marcus Morris Sr. | PF | Caleb Martin |
| Ivica Zubac | C | Bam Adebayo |
ODDS
FiveThirtyEight gives the Heat an 80% chance to win the game.
BROADCAST INFO
TV: Bally Sports Sun, NBA League Pass
RADIO: The Ticket 790AM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson, 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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