After a comeback that fell short, Miami must quickly rebound home against the Kings.
Miami has won 12 in a row at home against the Kings and win #13 will be needed for Miami's playoff chances. Currently tied with Indiana, a win could mean a #8 seed again.
Miami has beaten Sacramento by an average of 17 points since 2001 and beat the Kings 95-83 in their house back in January of this year. Miami is 5-9 on back-to-back nights while the Kings are 5-8 so whichever team wins tonight still has to deal with that under .500 stat.
Chris Bosh and Luol Deng combined for 55 points the last time these two teams played but this time Bosh will be out and Wade most likely back. Deng is questionable for tonight, but considering the effort given from the likes of Michael Beasley, Tyler Johnson, Shabazz Napier and James Ennis, you'd be ok with Deng resting some more.
As for Goran Dragic, he is questionable for tonight after aggravating his back against the Wizards. Sacramento is 3-17 when away from home since November as well.
What to watch for:
Hassan Whiteside: After being benched, Whiteside will be facing the team that cut him. Will he have a big night againt Cousins or a night where he picks up fouls in frustration?
Point Guard: Who will handle the floor with Dragic possibly being out tonight? If he isn't in full form, can the trio of Napier, Johnson and Mario Chalmers be enough of a balance?
The Pacers and Knicks scoreboard: Indiana will travel to NY tonight to play the Knicks. If they lose and Miami wins, the Heat get to be #8.
Game Info:
Where: 7:30pm at American Airlines Arena
TV: Sun Sports, Radio: 104.3 FM, 790AM
Starters:
| Ray McCallum | PG | Goran Dragic |
| Ben McLemore | SG | Dwayne Wade |
| Rudy Gay | SF | Luol Deng |
| Jason Thompson | PF | Udonis Haslem |
| DeMarcus Cousins | C | Hassan Whiteside |
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