The LA Clippers have remained hot for a long while and will now look to burn the Miami Heat, who are still hoping to get some rhythm back.

Catch the game tomorrow at  7:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: LA Clippers (32-15, 13-11 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• James Harden
• Paul George
• Terrence Mann
• Kawhi Leonard
• Mason Plumlee

The Clippers have been top-tier over the last two months and are now sitting atop the league’s power rankings, and rightfully so. They are an impressive 24-5 in their last 29 games, averaging 121.9 points per game and only allowing 113.6 in that span. Included in those string of wins is a 121-104 victory over the Heat, where Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and back-up SG Norman Powell each had 20-plus points.

As always, Leonard (24.1 PPG) and George (22.9 PPG) will lead the Clipps foursome with James Harden (16.9 PPG) and Russell Westbrook. 

Leonard (11.6 PPG), in particular, is on a tear as of late as he is compiling an insane shooting split of 55-50-92 since January 3rd. 

Topping all of that is the nearing return of big man Ivica Zubac, who has missed the last three weeks due to a calf injury. He’s a good interior presence.

HOME: Miami Heat (26-23, 13-11 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Terry Rozier
• Tyler Herro
• Jimmy Butler
• Caleb Martin
• Bam Adebayo

The Heat have now won back-to-back after a rough seven-game losing streak. They are also hopping into a four-game homestand, which should help in re-establishing momentum.

Home or not, though, defense will be key for this group. They didn’t have that in the said loss to the Clippers as they gave up 121 points and allowed a 58.8% clip, including 14-of-29 shooting from three. You can’t expect to win with such effort.

Top guys Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and Tyler Herro should also look to come out aggressive for the team’s anemic offense. Terry Rozier, meanwhile, has to finally wake up – he’s at only 10.9 PPG on a woeful 30.9% shooting across six outings since arriving.

Miami is scoring 110.4 PPG and giving up 111.4 in return this season.

PREDICTIONS:

Handicap: The Clippers (-3.5) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes under 226.5.