The New Jersey Nets lose to the Miami Heat for the third time this season — maybe I should hold off on that until they actually play the game, though, to keep things spontaneous. The Nets and Heat play tomorrow evening at 6 PM eastern in the Prudential Center. The Nets have lost nine of their last 10 games, and the Heat have won 10 of their last 12. Here are a few keys to the game:
No one on the Nets can guard LeBron James: Regardless of what Avery Johnson might tell you, Stephen Graham can’t guard LeBron James. Neither can Travis Outlaw. Neither can Sasha Vujacic or Anthony Morrow. He’s going to score, and he’s going to score a lot — that is, unless Erik Spoelstra pulls him after playing 20 minutes because the Heat are up by 40.
No one on the Nets can guard Dwyane Wade: You get the idea.
Brook Lopez and Deron Williams might have good games: If there are any weaknesses to the Heat, they are at point guard and center. Fortunately for the Nets, their two best players also play those positions. The Heat are going to have some trouble containing Lopez in single coverage, so expect them to double team him a fair amount, opening up shots for Morrow and Vujacic.
For Deron Williams, it’s likely he’ll put more effort into getting on the scoreboard himself, taking whoever is guarding him one-on-one rather than dishing to a player besides Lopez who will have a tougher defensive matchup.
For more on the Miami Heat, check out the Heat Index.
