7:30 PM ET
Charlotte Hornets at Miami Heat
AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, Florida
The Hornets enter Monday’s contest coming off a buzzer-beating loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
what will go down as one of the most ludicrous endings and performances in recent NBA history, Zach LaVine hits THIRTEENTH THREE and FORTY NINTH point of the game to steal W for Bulls pic.twitter.com/lcbGFGEOWF— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 24, 2019
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are coming off a disappointment of their own. They lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 113-86.
This Monday’s game gives both teams an opportunity to bounce back. The contest takes place at the American Airlines Arena with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST.
The Hornets need a better defensive showing
Charlotte allowed far too many open looks on the perimeter, where Chicago’s Zach LaVine went nuts, scoring a career-high 49 points as he made 13 of his 17 three-point attempts.Losing in the manner they did on Saturday should provide Charlotte with plenty of motivation on Monday. However, they have to do a better job contesting shots. Miami makes 39% of their three-point attempts and if the Hornets don’t tighten up the Heat will win.
Offensively, Charlotte faces a Miami defense that surrenders 104 points per game, so there are plays to be made. To make them, they must push the tempo early to pull ahead as their defensive weaknesses will provide Miami ample opportunities to score.
Heat are looking to bounce back
Offensively, this is a favorable matchup for Miami. The Heat have excellent shooters that knock down shots from the perimeter, to tune of 39% per game.Moreover, Miami’s depth could play a huge role in this one. The Heat have seven players who score in double figures, indicating how deep and talented they are.
Defensively, look for Miami to apply pressure. The Hornets average 16 turnovers per game, with six coming from their point guards Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier. If Miami can pressure outside it could lead to easy scores.
The Heat bounce back at home in a resounding way. Look for their perimeter game to test Charlotte’s weaknesses. In the Hornets’ four-game losing streak, they’ve given up almost 118 points per game so Miami should be able to score at will. All told, the Heat’s talent and depth helps them move back into the win column in convincing fashion.
Miami is 4-0 in the Over in their last four Monday games. Look for this trend to continue as their offense overpowers the Hornets. For their part, Charlotte will increase the tempo as a way of playing catch-up, but their defensive weaknesses prove to be the difference. Miami wins a shootout.
