The Miami Heat ended their Western road trip as they face the OKC Thunder on Monday night at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. After losing three straight 2020–21 NBA seasons, the Heat have won the last two matches with huge victories over the Sacramento Kings and LA Lakers.
As they end their Western Conference visit to Oklahoma City, the Heat look off with a win over the OK Thunder, who have suffered losses in six of their last eight games.
The Thunder suffered a three-game defeat with Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, but are hoping they can build on their success with another win tonight, this time against the Miami Heat.
Match details
Stability – Miami Heat vs OKC Thunder | 2020-21 NBA Season
Date Time – Monday, February 22, 9:00 am (Tuesday, February 23, 7:30 am IST)
place – Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
Miami Heat Preview
A 96–94 revenge win against the LA Lakers was as satisfying as the Miami Heat tasted this season. For this campaign, the Heat are looking for continuity but are quite elusive. If they can prolong this mini-win streak, it could be the break they have been waiting for to return to the playoff hunt.
Going against a team below 500 like OKC Thunder is expected to help them accomplish this. However, this team of Thunder is dangerous, so the Heat were ready to face the better and the crazier side.
Key Players – Jimmy Butler
Since returning from COVID-19, Jimmy Butler’s performance has been nothing but spectacular. Over the last 12 games, Butler averaged 21.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He is handling the reins for the Miami Heat, putting on a triple-double almost every time he steps on the floor.
Butler’s competitiveness and his team’s ability to rally is nothing short of remarkable and considering that he will also have to defend against the best wing players in the game. Lugentz Dort of OKC Thunder tried their best to protect him on Monday.
Miami Heat’s prediction lineup
Yes Kendrick nun Yes Duncan robinson F Jimmy butler F Kelly Olenik C Bam adebayo
OKC Thunder Preview
The OKC Thunder rely on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to keep them competitive for every game that made their absence in the four matches so difficult for the team. It took a few games but the Thunder feel that they have rediscovered their mojo. Although difficult to win without top-caliber talent in the roster, the Thunder have managed to stay away from the very bottom of the standings, while winning multiple games that they “have no right to win.”
“Earlier in my career, once you were above 20, it was very difficult for teams to make a comeback.”
Now, Al Horford said, no such leadership is safe. Thunder has shown that this season. https://t.co/bCXRu8LvvW
– OKC Thunder Wire (@The_ThunderWire) February 21, 2021
When the match against Bam Adebayo happened, Horford would have to use his smart, ability to shoot from the perimeter and experience the speed and quick advantage of the Miami Heat Center to play in the post.
OK Thunder predicts lineup
Yes According to Maldon Yes Shay Gilgius-Alexander F There lugentz F Darius Bazale C Al horford
Heat vs Thunder Match Prediction
The Miami Heat are slowly looking like the 2020 bubble version that made it to the finals and they will be a difficult matchup for the OKC Thunder. It was a tough climb for the Heat to reach this point, a few days before they should have won games such as losing 120–112 overtime to the Golden State Warriors.
It would be a regression for them if they lost to the OKC Thunder on Monday and their last two wins show that they are not going back in those days.
The Miami Heat are expected to win but the OKC Thunder will make it difficult for them.
Where to watch Heat vs Thunder?
The Miami Heat-OKC Thunder game will be televised locally by Fox Sports Sun and Fox Sports Oklahoma. For international audiences, the match will be shown live on NBA League Pass.
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Published on 22 February 2021, 16:24 IST
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