Jimmy Butler is back in Miami for the first time since the trade. Are we about to witness an epic matchup?
Catch the game tomorrow at 7:30 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Golden State Warriors (41-30, 18-16 AWAY)
Projected starting five:
- Stephen Curry (day-to-day) / Brandin Podziemski
- Moses Moody
- Gary Payton II
- Jimmy Butler
- Draymond Green
The Warriors have been one of the NBA’s hottest teams since acquiring Jimmy Butler six weeks ago, posting a 16-4 record while averaging 118.1 points per game with an impressive +9.6 net rating in that span.
Butler’s homecoming to Miami marks a significant storyline, as the versatile forward has provided Golden State with exactly what they needed – averaging 17.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.3 steals while stabilizing both ends of the floor.
Stephen Curry’s status looms large after suffering a hip injury last Friday. If the two-time MVP sits, the Warriors will rely on a committee of help. Aiding Butler and Draymond Green’s defensive prowess are Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Moses Moody, who can all provide reliable scoring and shooting punch. Golden State will look to avenge their 114-98 loss in Miami last January 8th, where despite Curry’s 31-point outburst (including eight threes), the supporting cast struggled to contribute.
HOME: Miami Heat (30-41, 16-19 HOME)
Projected starting five:
- Tyler Herro
- Duncan Robinson (day-to-day) / Jaime Jaquez Jr.
- Andrew Wiggins
- Bam Adebayo
- Kel’el Ware
The Heat finally snapped their ugly 10-game losing streak with Wednesday’s 122-105 win over Charlotte, but significant challenges remain. Miami sits precariously in 10th place in the East, desperately clinging to the final play-in spot while facing a Warriors squad playing its best basketball of the season, albeit shorthanded.
All eyes will be on Miami’s core of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo as they face former teammate Jimmy Butler for the first time since his departure. The Heat’s January victory over Golden State featured balanced scoring with six players in double figures, led by Adebayo’s 19 points and rookie Jaime Jaquez’s 18. However, Herro’s 4-for-14 shooting night highlighted the inconsistency plaguing Miami’s offense during their recent slide.
With the Warriors showing championship-level resilience and the Heat struggling to close games (blowing several large leads during their skid), Miami will need near-perfect execution to overcome their recent struggles against this surging opponent. The emotional element of Butler’s return adds another intriguing layer to this interconference showdown.
PICKS:
Spread: Warriors (-4.5)
Over/Under: Over (218)
