Miami Heat vs Houston Rockets: Match Preview and Predictions - 27th November 2019
Match details
Fixture: Miami Heat vs Houston Rockets
Date & Time: Wednesday, 27th November 2019 (8:00 PM ET)
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Last game results
Miami Heat (12-4): 117-100 victory against the Charlotte Hornets (25th November, Monday)
Houston Rockets (11-6): 137-123 loss to the Dallas Mavericks (24th November, Sunday)
Miami Heat Preview
Miami Heat have been one of the surprise packages of the season thus far. Led by new acquisition Jimmy Butler, Miami have raced off to a 12-4 start which has propelled them to the third spot in the Eastern Conference Standings.
The Heat had a five-game win streak snapped by the Philadelphia 76ers last week, but returned to winning ways with a strong showing against the Charlotte Hornets.
They will now travel to Houston to take on the Rockets, a side they comfortably overcame earlier in the season.
Key Player - Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler missed the Heat's first few games, but his return to the lineup has sparked them into action.
Butler is averaging 18.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game this season and has led Miami to a 12-4 start.
He shrugged off a lethargic display against Philadelphia by torching the Charlotte Hornets in the Heat's most recent game, pouring in 21 points on 54.5% shooting from the field.
Butler is Miami's go-to scorer and they will need him to be at his best to keep up with a freewheeling Houston offense.
Heat predicted lineup
Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Meyers Leonard, Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson
Houston Rockets Preview
After a scintillating start to the new season, the Houston Rockets have come crashing back down to earth.
The Rockets had an eight-game win streak snapped by the Denver Nuggets last week and they've since lost two more games, to the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks, which has dropped them down to fifth in the Western Conference Standings.
Their most recent defeat at the hands of the Mavericks was a particularly painful one as they struggled to contain Luka Doncic, who led Dallas to a 137-123 victory.
Despite the Rockets' collective struggles in the last few games, James Harden has continued to fire and the onus will be on him once again to steer his side out of trouble when the Miami Heat come visiting.
Key Player - James Harden
James Harden's put his early-season shooting woes behind him for good. He's been a scoring machine across the past few weeks and is currently averaging 37.9 points per game.
Harden's also attempting a career-high 14.2 free throws per game as teams have struggled to contain his drives to the basket.
The Heat managed to stifle Harden earlier in the season, limiting him to 29 points, and he will be keen to exert his dominance this time around and lead the Rockets to a much-needed victory.
Rockets predicted lineup
Danuel House, PJ Tucker, Clint Capela, James Harden, Russell Westbrook
Heat vs Rockets Match Prediction
The last time these two sides locked horns, the Heat limited the Rockets to just 39% shooting from the field. They also forced as many as 22 turnovers which proved to be the key to their success.
Miami have the best three-point defense in the league, limiting teams to just 31% from beyond the arc, and Houston's struggles from deep this season should play into their hands and allow them to secure their 13th win of the campaign.
Where to Watch Heat vs Rockets?
The game will be broadcast on AT&T Sportsnet and FOX Sports Sun from 8:00 PM (ET). You can live stream the game via NBA League Pass.