Nets vs. Heat preview: Rested and ready

The Nets are 4-2 in their last six, the Heat 1-5. Who knew?

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

After a nice four-day rest, the Nets are returning to action after their 127-82 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, tied for the biggest win in franchise history. What made the victory so great, besides four of the beloved Flatbush 5 getting some significant NBA minutes, was the fact that all but three players reached double digits in scoring. Even though Brooklyn, as an organization, is clearly focused on getting the best pick in the May lottery, the players and coaches are not. So, it’s moments like

this that keep you going.

Tonight, the Nets will take on the Miami Heat, who have been struggling to say the very least. With a five game losing streak, the Heat will look to bounce back in the winning column despite being without some key players on the roster.

Where to Watch

Check out the action at 7:30 PM and the YES Network, as well as streaming on the Gotham Sports App. For the out-of-towners, the game will be on NBA League Pass

Injury Report

Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, E.J. Liddell, and Tyson Etienne will be reporting to Long Island. They’ll be traveling to Orlando for the G League Winter Showcase where they open up vs. the Mexico City Capitanes on Saturday. Cam Thomas (left hamstring) remains out and Haywood Highsmith, who will be facing his former team, is recovering from right knee surgery. No timetable for either player’s return.

For Miami, Tyler Herro (toe), Pelle Larson (ankle), and Nikola Jovic (elbow) will be out. Norman Powell (calf) is questionable. Terry Rozier remains suspended following his arrest in the NBA gambling scandal two months ago.

The Game

The Miami Heat have been through so much as an organization of late. The Terry Rozier gambling investigation not only is among the leading stories in the NBA, but in all of sports. His status remains uncertain both from a legal and basketball standpoint. Also, after returning to action in late November, Tyler Herro injured his toe, which led him to miss even more action.

“I just got to rest it and calm it down until I get back to normal,” Herro said Wednesday. “I’m going on the trip, so I’m hopeful that I’ll be back at some point on the trip, if not, then hopefully the week at home.”

To make matters even worse, the franchise’s greatest player was on video criticizing the team’s effort during the NBA Cup…

So, it is possible the Nets can use their momentum from the victory against the Bucks as well as four wins in the last six to their advantage.

Nic Claxton will have his hands full with Bam Adebayo. He is currently averaging 19 points and nine rebounds on almost 50% shooting overall. Egor Demin will also have his hands full with Davion Mitchell, whose nickname (Off-Night) is well deserved as he can lock up any offensive player at the guard position. Good test for the young fella. Michael Porter Jr. will have to be the main catalyst offensively. We all know he can score, but if he facilitates and gets his teammates involved, the Nets should have a great chance of adding their recent success.

Player To Watch: Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is quietly having the best year of his career. With averages of 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 51% shooting, Jaquez Jr. is on pace to be considered for both the MIP and Sixth Man Award. The UCLA product has done a great job in steeping in for the Heat while their main scorer is on the bench.

Despite the Heat’s funk, Jaquez remains upbeat but is dismissing speculation about the two awards.

“It’s kinda hard, everybody’s on social media. So, of course, you see it. But I try not to pay attention. My focus right now is on the team,” Jaquez said told TMZ three days ago. “I think when you win, good things happen for individuals. Focusing on winning is the most important part for me.”

Can he carry the load without so many teammates. At this point, he’ll have to. Miami has no choice.

From the Vault

It’s been a rough week for the world with the murders of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner in Los Angeles, two students at Brown University in Providence and 15 Australian Jews celebrating Chanukah in Sydney. Tragedy was also barely avoided not far from Barclays Center Sunday when six teenagers were injured in a mass shooting outside the Burbuja Events venue in the Cypress Hills neighborhood of Brooklyn. The victims, all between the ages of 15 and 17, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are in stable condition.

Suffice it to say that sports can be a tonic, but it can’t be a remedy unless its values go beyond the court or the field. The world is the world and it’s up to everyone to make it better. Reiner was someone who understood that. Here’s a story from on his love of baseball and how every summer he would visit different MLB stadium.