NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Miami Heat vs Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are on a three-game win streak and will now host the Miami Heat for a regular-season matchup at the Oracle Arena. This is their first meeting this season and will meet once again later this month, in Miami.
The Golden State Warriors' perspective
The Golden State Warriors are a force to reckon with and with DeMarcus Cousins in the lineup, things will not be easy for the opposition teams. The Center has started making impact on the team right from day 1 and the Warriors now have five All-Stars in their starting lineup.
The Warriors, who are on a three-game winning streak are coming off a 10-point victory against the short handed Phoenix Suns. While Thompson was the high-scorer with 25 points, Curry added 20 and Durant 21.
Golden State Warriors' predicted starting line-up:
Kevin Durant (F), Draymond Green (F), DeMarcus Cousins (C), Klay Thompson (G) and Stephen Curry (G)
The Miami Heat's perspective
The Miami Heat currently find themselves at the eight spot in Eastern Conference Standings at 25-28 and are fighting to make it to the postseason. They lost three straight home games recently and the game against the Dubs will be their second game of a six-game road trip.
Their recent game in Sacramento ended in a 14-point loss for the visiting team, thanks to Buddy Hield's 23 points that helped the Kings comeback from 11 down in the fourth quarter.
Miami Heat's predicted starting line-up:
James Johnson (F), Josh Richardson (F), Hassan Whiteside (C), Rodney McGruder (G) and Justise Winslow (G)
How the things might unfold
The Heat lost sharpshooter Wayne Ellington and shooting guard Tyler Johnson before the trade deadline and that is definitely expected to have an impact on their three-point shooting. While the Warriors are second in three-point shooting percentage, the Heat are not a great team shooting from behind the arc.
Inconsistency has been a key issue for the Heat all season long and even though they have all the talent to be recognized as an elite team, they are not able to get it going.
Prediction
Warriors for the easy win.