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The Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets will lock horns in an enticing 2021-22 NBA game at the Spectrum Center on Thursday.
The Heat had their five-game winning run snapped by the Dallas Mavericks in a 107-99 defeat. Jimmy Butler bagged 29 points and ten rebounds, while Bam Adebayo had 21 points and 12 rebounds on the night.
However, Miami struggled offensively as a team. They are now second in the Eastern Conference standings, with a 37-21 record, 0.5 games behind leaders Chicago Bulls.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have lost seven of their last eight games. They are coming off a 126-120 OT loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Terry Rozier scored 20+ points apiece on the night, but it wasn't enough on the night. Charlotte are now ninth in the conference standings, with a 29-30 record.
Miami Heat Injury Report
The Heat's injury report features eight players. Jimmy Butler, Udonis Haslem and Martin Caleb are listed as questionable, while Markieff Morris, Tyler Herro and Dewayne Dedmond have been ruled out. Victor Oladipo and Javonte Smart have been assigned G-League duties.
Charlotte Hornets Injury Report
The Hornets have ruled out three players for this game. They are Gordon Hayward, Cody Martin and Jalen McDaniels.
Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets: Predicted Lineups
Miami Heat
The Heat are likely to play the same starting lineup they did in their previous game. Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson started as the guards, while Jimmy Butler, PJ Tucker and Bam Adebayo were the three frontcourt players. Gabe Vincent, Max Struss and Omer Yurtseven will likely play the most minutes off the bench.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are likely to deploy the same starting lineup they did in their last game. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier started as the guards, with PJ Washington, Miles Bridges and Mason Plumlee carrying out frontcourt duties. Montrezl Harrell and Kelly Oubre are likely to play the most minutes in the reserve unit.
Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets: Predicted Starting 5s
Miami Heat
Point Guard - Kyle Lowry; Shooting Guard - Duncan Robinson; Small Forward - Jimmy Butler; Power Forward - PJ Tucker; Center - Bam Adebayo.
Charlotte Hornets
Point Guard - LaMelo Ball; Shooting Guard - Terry Rozier; Small Forward - PJ Washington; Power Forward - Miles Bridges; Center - Mason Plumlee.
