Houston Rockets vs Miami Heat: Match Preview and Predictions

Match details

Fixture: Houston Rockets vs Miami Heat

Date & Time: Sunday, 3rd November 2019 (6:00 PM ET)

Venue: AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL

Last game results

Houston Rockets (3-2): 116-123 loss to the Brooklyn Nets (1st November, Friday)

Miami Heat (4-1): 106-97 victory against the Atlanta Hawks (31st October, Thursday)

Houston Rockets Preview

The Houston Rockets have blown hot and cold thus far. Following a disappointing defeat in their season-opener to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Rockets reeled off three successive wins to establish their championship credentials early on.

However, a surprising loss to the Brooklyn Nets has brought them crashing back down to earth.

Although James Harden and Russell Westbrook have led the Houston offense admirably, their defense has been a no-show thus far.

Houston have given up 125.6 points per game on average and will need to find their spark on the defensive end of the floor when they travel to the AmericanAirlines Arena to lock horns with the surging Miami Heat.

Key Player - James Harden

After a slow start, James Harden seems to be hitting his stride. He is still struggling from beyond the arc though, shooting just 19%. However, that's bound to improve as the season progresses.

Harden had a monster 59-point outing against the Washington Wizards and followed it up with 36 points against the Nets, making 14 of his 15 free throws.

Harden torched the Heat last season as he averaged 46.5 points and 11 assists across their two meetings.

He also poured in 44 points in their pre-season clash and will look to put an end to his 3-point woes when he takes the court on Sunday.

Rockets predicted lineup

PJ Tucker, Danuel House, Clint Capela, James Harden, Russell Westbrook

Miami Heat Preview

Miami Heat have exceeded expectations thus far, winning four of their opening five games. They enter this clash high on confidence, having dismantled the Atlanta Hawks in back-to-back games.

Rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro have provided the spark for Miami on offense, while the likes of Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson have also chipped in to guide the Heat to 2nd in the Eastern Conference standings.

However, they face arguably their toughest test yet when they play host to James Harden and his free-scoring Houston Rockets side next.

Key Player - Jimmy Butler

Miami Heat v Atlanta Hawks — Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler missed the Heat's first couple of matches, but he's put in a couple of decent shifts since making his Miami debut.

He inspired the Heat to a victory against the Hawks with a 21-point performance on debut. Although he couldn't follow it up with another top display, Butler remains Miami's biggest asset, especially on offense.

The Rockets have struggled to contain just about anyone this season and Butler possesses the tools to take Houston apart.

Heat predicted lineup

Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Meyers Leonard, Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson

Rockets vs Heat Match Prediction

The Rockets have dominated the head to head between these two teams of late. They've won four of their last five meetings, including a 144-133 victory in pre-season, but enter this clash as firm underdogs.

The Heat have the best three-point defense in the league, limiting teams to just 26% from beyond the arc. They have the personnel to neutralize Houston's high-powered offense and should be able to emerge from this clash with a victory.

Where to Watch Rockets vs Heat?

The game will be broadcast on FOX Sports Sun and AT&T Sportsnet - Southwest NBC from 6:00 PM (ET). You can live stream the game via NBA League Pass.

Houston Rockets vs Miami Heat: Match Preview and Predictions - 3rd November 2019