Game Thread: Miami Heat Game Thread for games December 23- January 4th

[Paolo305613]

Games vs Philly, Cleveland, Memphis, Orlando, Indy, Houston and Brooklyn . Should be at least a .500 week for the Heat

 

[Paolo305613]

A supposed “knee contusion” for Diva Wade could cause him to SIT OUT another tonight

 

[Paolo305613]

Birdman will play despite ankle issues. Whiteside GTD with problems with toenails

 

[Paolo305613]

Whiteside officially out

 

[bksballer89]

So we play Philly, Cleveland, Memphis, Orlando, Indy, Houston, & Brooklyn over the next 2 weeks.

So hard to predict how we do due to all of our injuries.

Here is my one and only prediction based on the schedule.

We will beat Philly, Orlando, & Brooklyn as long as Bosh or Wade is playing (should not need both to beat those teams)

We can beat Cleveland and Indy if Wade and Bosh are both available for those games.

Going to be extremely tough to beat Memphis and Houston

 

[Paolo305613]

CB was asked if he was targeting a Christmas Day return, he said it would be nice but not a priority.

Either way, we saw what this team is capable of even without Diva and Bosh - I think they can pull the same off against a couple more of the coming opponents, if need be

 

[Paolo305613]

Ira, I like James Ennis' energy. And now he's playing more under control. -- Chet.

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It's not exactly a clear picture yet... but you can kind of make out the potential of this team. If everyone can get healthy by the All-Star break, we might make a run. Wade is putting up 23 ppg on 52% and passing better than we've ever seen, Bosh is back to 22 and 10 (or around...
EDDIEOMAHA
AT 11:00 AM DECEMBER 22, 2014
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A: I don't know if he's necessarily more under control, nor if that is something the Heat are looking for. What makes Ennis unique among Heat players is his motor. And that motor powered the Heat to 10 points and five rebounds in the fourth quarter Sunday, when it appeared some of the veterans were running on fumes. Games against the Celtics on Sunday and then Tuesday against the 76ers are perfect spots for Ennis, against young teams more concerned with finding their own way. The question is whether Ennis can get it done against elite teams who know how to counter what he might do best. But among the Heat rookies, he has taken the greatest strides recently and it was nice to see Spoelstra have the trust to play him all 12 minutes of Sunday's fourth quarter. The irony, of course, is that it had been Shabazz Napier who had been playing entire fourth quarters earlier this season. It will be interesting, with Danny Granger now back, to see how Spoelstra spots Ennis going forward. Then again Ennis vs. LeBron James could have some interesting outcomes Thursday. The plot thickens.


Q: Ira, when the Heat get the injury exception for Josh McRoberts, they still would have to release a player to make a roster spot. Tell me it won't be Andre Dawkins. -- Ivan.

A: I doubt it, not after what Dawkins showed during his D-League stint. When it comes to odd man out, considering the promise Hassan Whiteside has shown, it is possible that Justin Hamilton could be the odd man out if the Heat get and utilize an injured-player exception for McRoberts' absence. Remember, McRoberts still would have to count against the 15-man roster limit even if the Heat add a player with his injury exception.

Q: I don't understand, Shabazz Napier is a better point guard than Mario Chalmers or Norris Cole. -- Alex.

A: But not as polished when it comes to decision making or defensive positioning. And possibly not strong enough yet to maneuver through NBA-level screens. The one thing about Heat prospects is that their chance tends to come again if they are patient. Just look at Ennis.

 

[Paolo305613]

Josh Smith released by Pistons - any interest?

 

[avalon2423]

I rather trade for Greg Monroe lol

 

[Paolo305613]

This fan base thrives of being linked to and having big name players on the team - the only way teams are relevant to the not-so-typical fan, is for teams to acquire the big names/ well know names, Josh Smith would fit that - I saw Ira’s twitter blow up saying we should get him.

 

[Paolo305613]

Miami Heat linked to NBA free agent Josh Smith - Sun Sentinel

 

[Paolo305613]

Luol Deng steps forward for Miami Heat when needed - Sun Sentinel

 

[Andresrenee]

Josh Smith released by Pistons - any interest?

No need for a me first player in this organization. The Cat just likes to jack shots up. Decent rebounder but really could see the Pistons getting much better with him gone and the Hawks seem to have done better without him as well. Pass for now.

 

[Paolo305613]

the clown “ fans” we have here are so hard-on about getting Josh Smith, I doubt we get him, but strongly hope we dont now so they can disappointed and instead we go for a lesser name guy.

 

[Paolo305613]

No need for a me first player in this organization.

Agreed... we already have one...err..

 

[Paolo305613]

Joseph Goodman, Heat beat writer for the herald, says he is “ doubtful” that #3 plays tomorrow nights. Its embarrassing when even a day before game day he is already considering SITTING OUT.

 

[Flauge]

Bosh is out tomorrow as well.. Is he embarrassing?

 

[bksballer89]

Yeah he may come back Thursday. If not Thursday i assume Saturday

 

[bksballer89]

I actually would take josh Smith. We're a much better team with him. We could have a lineup of chalmers, wade, deng, josh, & bosh

 

[Andresrenee]

I actually would take josh Smith. We're a much better team with him. We could have a lineup of chalmers, wade, deng, josh, & bosh

I am not so sure....Smith is a shoot first player that would not fit in well like I said earlier. He could kill the delicate chemistry we are trying to build.

Regardless of who plays, I just hope we don't lay an egg and lose to the 76ers tomorrow.