Heat try to Rebound with Win over Spurs

The Miami Heat will have no time to from their game against Orlando on Thursday night. Facing 2 of the best teams in the NBA in back to back nights is tough enough, but then having to fly to Texas to take on the San Antonio Spurs will be a test of will and determination. The Heat have been scrutinized continuously since adding LeBron James and Chris Bosh to their squad in the off-season. NBA experts are starting to believe in them as they have climbed to within a game and a half of Boston for the best record in the Eastern conference. A sweep of Orlando and San Antonio in back to back nights would surely get everyone’s attention.

There is not a duo in the league that’s as lethal as Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. Together, these 2 are averaging almost 52 points, over 14 rebounds and 12 assists per game. James isn’t getting nearly enough credit for taking a smaller role offensively, and involving his teammates more in the offense with his passing. His 7.5 assists per game have been a large part of the Heat’s success this season as he is getting the ball to open shooters when he draws double teams.

The Spurs seem completely unfazed by how well their playing. San Antonio has been written off by most NBA handicappers and sportsbooks over the last few seasons as their star player Tim Duncan has decreased in productivity. That may very well be true, but the Spurs have done a phenomenal job in rebuilding this team around him with solid veterans and young players with tremendous upsides. Anyone who thought George Hill and Gary Neal were going to combine for 20 points per game when the season started, is lying to you! The team scouts have done an incredible job at evaluating talent, and putting this team in a position to compete for the NBA title again.

Duncan still plays a huge roll for San Antonio defensively, but he has taken a back seat to Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker on offense. Ginobili is a one-man wrecking crew! He can take almost any defender to the basket, and yet has the ability to make shots from anywhere on the court. The Key for San Antonio this year has been the balance on both sides of the court. They’re top 10 in the league in scoring, rebounding and assists, and rank 11th on points allowed.

Despite having the best record by a large margin, they are still considered underdogs to the Lakers by most sportsbooks. Tune in Friday as the Spurs and Heat collide in a game that has the potential to be a preview of the NBA Finals.

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