It might take the Heat some time to get used to their surroundings after playing 14 of their previous 16 games on the road. But they’re back at the AAC to close out the first half of their schedule looking to avenge a 14-point loss to the Clippers, which was part of that recent road swing.
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SCHEDULING
The Clippers had been rolling along quite nicely, riding a four-game winning streak with the slumping Timberwolves paying a visit to Staples Center on Wednesday. Maybe the Clips were looking ahead to their four-game road trip ahead of the All-Star break, but they stumbled against the lowly Wolves, who were beaten up by the Lakers 24 hours prior. Every loss gets dissected by coaches and players and the Clips had to be disgusted with themselves for letting that one get away. Now, we’ll see how they respond away from home, where their 15 road wins are second-most in the Western Conference.
It was a brutal stretch for Miami, but it’s finally over. The Heat return to the AAC after playing 14 of their previous 16 games on the road and can unpack their bags. They finish off the pre-All-Star break portion of their schedule with consecutive home games for the first time since early January. Not that it’s a big deal for the Heat to be back home, they are just 6-6 in their last 12 at the AAC. But Miami has played well recently going 5-1 in its last six in advance of Friday’s game at Charlotte.
INJURIES
The Clippers will be without Blake Griffin likely until the end of March as he recovers from surgery on his broken hand. The good news is that the quadriceps injury that originally sidelined him on Christmas has healed.
Tyler Johnson underwent successful surgery on his left shoulder this week and there is no timetable for a return. He had appeared in 36 games for the Heat and was a valuable backup to Goran Dragic at the point. Johnson was averaging 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists while playing 24 minutes a game before going under the knife.
KEY MATCHUP
Heat center Hassan Whiteside really missed playing basketball. A six-game injury absence was enough. He wanted back on the court so he worked the coaching staff like he works the paint. Whiteside announced his return Wednesday with 10 points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots in 17 minutes as a reserve, with only foul trouble, and not his sore left hip, holding him back. With no lingering effects from the hip injury, Whiteside could be back in the starting lineup when the Clippers visit on Sunday. Or, perhaps not, considering the Heat were on a decent roll without their shot-blocking guru. However many minutes he plays and how they come about, one thing is certain: Whiteside will contribute. He averages 15.4 points and 14 rebounds with nearly five blocks per 36 minutes and is a valuable rim protector. With an increased amount of minutes expect an increase in production.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Miami can be a dangerous team when coach Erik Spoelstra has all his pieces. They’re starting to return and the Heat put a run of five wins in six games together. Goran Dragic and Beno Udrih came back from injury layoffs, Dwyane Wade’s shoulders are feeling better now that he doesn’t have to carry the team on them and Luol Deng is feeling more comfortable as well. Somehow the Heat were able to survive the crisis, and with Whiteside back in the rotation, they will put a starting five Spoelstra envisioned on the court. The big man adds an element few players in the NBA can and, according to Wade, Whiteside gives the Heat depth they need and allows them to play a different kind of game.
Miami 109, Los Angeles 103
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Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat will tipoff Sunday, February 7, 2016, at 2 p.m. ET at American Airlines Arena. Watch the game live on ABC.
