- 1,258
- 86
- 48
Happy New Year! Hope you kicked off the New Year in style and are ready for a big and exciting year ahead!
There is a great NBA slate today to kick off the New Year this week and the last game of the night sees the Miami Heat travel to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers in Crypto.com Arena.
Here is my analysis, a game prediction and my favorite player prop in what should be a very entertaining game. Let’s dive in!
The Heat Finally Healthy?
It’s been an up and down start to the season for the boys from Miami but they have finally started to string some wins together and seem to be finally healthy…maybe.Jimmy Butler has missed 12 games so far this season due to a right knee injury but it is reported that he actually got it looked at while in Los Angeles this past weekend and got encouraging news.
According to this report, Butler has been cleared for back-to-back games moving forward, which is great news for the Heat.
Besides Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have been playing great to start the season, with Herro averaging 21 points per game and shooting 40% from 3. More on him later so keep reading for that 😉
Adebayo is averaging a double-double, 21 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. He also scored 31 points against the Clippers earlier this season and I could see a similar performance tonight.
The Heat have won 3 of their last 4 and get a chance tonight to take down the Clippers again, as they beat them 115-110 in Miami a couple weeks ago.
Kawhi and PG making a Big Difference
The Clippers were without both of their superstars to start the season, which was a test for sure.They are both back healthy now and boy does it make a difference.
While George has been back for a few weeks now, Leonard has now played in 11 games since the start of December and in that stretch, the Clips are 7-4.
Leonard gives this team that extra level on both ends of the floor that elevates them to playoff contenders and a real threat.
His presence also frees up Paul George to be a much more well-rounded scorer. Since Leonard returned, George has averaged 27.6 points per game and is shooting 46% from the floor.
With their full compliment of pieces, the Clippers are a handful for anyone.
Tonight, can they grab a win at home and get revenge on the suddenly hot Heat?