What's going on this week in Miami Heat basketball? Let us fill you in.
The Miami Heat have a four game week with three of them on the road. At 20-6, the Heat are still looking up in the standings to the Indiana Pacers. Let's take a look at what the week holds.
Monday, December 23: Atlanta Hawks @ Miami Heat - 7:30 PM
Although they are 5 1/2 games behind the Miami Heat, the 15-12 Atlanta Hawks are right behind the Heat at third in the Eastern Conference. On November 19, the Heat beat the Hawks 104-88 in Miami. The Hawks are led by Al Horford and Paul Millsap. They also lead the NBA in assists per game as a team. The Hawks rank in the bottom five in rebounding along with the Heat. This will be Miami's final home game of 2013.
Wednesday, December 25: Miami Heat @ LA Lakers - 5:00 PM
The Christmas Day showdown will be much less dramatic as the host Lakers will be without superstar Kobe Bryant. Bryant, who just returned from his achilles injury, suffered a knee injury and is out for about 6 weeks. The Lakers will also be without Steve Nash. The Lakers are 13-14 and struggling in the deep Western Conference. Regardless, it will be Christmas Day and the world will be watching, and that always brings LeBron James and company to play their best.
Friday, December 27: Miami Heat @ Sacramento Kings - 10:00 PM
The Heat and Kings just faced off a few days ago and Miami put a beating on the Kings offensively as they shot 61%. The Kings weren't far behind, but ended up losing by 19 points. The Kings are a young and fun group, and at home can be a little dangerous if the Heat don't tighten the screws defensively.
Saturday, December 28: Miami Heat @ Portland Trailblazers - 10:00 PM
A back-to-back with the tail end at one of the league's hottest teams will be hard at the end of a 3-game West coast swing. At 23-5, the Blazers are playing great ball. They will give the Heat plenty of trouble, as they possess some problems for the Heat. But the Rose Garden has seen great performances from Miami's big three before, and the stage will be set for a great matchup.
Make sure to tune in and catch the Heat this week!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your team at Hot Hot Hoops!