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The Washington Wizards take on last year's finalists Miami Heat on Saturday in a clash of two Eastern Conference heavyweights. The Wizards have struggled this NBA season, while the Miami Heat have had a mixed bag of results, and currently sit on a 3-4 record.
The Wizards are aiming to make the 2021 NBA Playoffs after missing out last year, while the Miami Heat will look to secure home court and go all the way this time around.
Miami Heat vs Washington Wizards: Combined starting lineup
Both sides have star-studded rosters. The Washington Wizards possess a strong back-court, while the Miami Heat have All-Star talent at small forward and center. Let's take a look at the combined starting lineup of these two sides.
Point Guard - Russell Westbrook (Washington Wizards)
Since his move from the Houston Rockets, Russell Westbrook has looked a different player. The former MVP has been averaging 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game in the 2020-21 NBA season.
Westbrook has played through a dislocated finger injury, and has made key plays for the Washington Wizards in multiple close games. If he continues to stuff the stat sheet, fans can expect him to make another All-NBA team this year.
Shooting Guard - Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)
Bradley Beal has been in MVP form this season and has been putting up sensational numbers. He is averaging 35 points per game, along with 5 boards and 4.6 assists. The Missouri product has showcased his offensive skill set, bombing threes at an efficient clip combined with a creative layup package.
Beal recently had a 60-point game, and the Washington Wizards will hope he can replicate that performance on Saturday. Beal has expressed his desire to win the MVP award, and if his numbers can translate into wins, it could become a reality by the end of the season.
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Small Forward - Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat)
Butler has not started the season particularly well, but has finally started to find his rhythm of late, and will be expected to deliver against the Washington Wizards.
He scored 26 points in his last match and is averaging 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in the 2020-21 season. The Wizards don't have an accomplished wing defender in their ranks, and that offers Jimmy Butler an excellent opportunity to stuff the stat sheet.
Power Forward - Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards)
Young gun Rui Hachimura has looked in good touch at the power forward position for the Washington Wizards. The sophomore is averaging 13 points and 3 rebounds per game, while also contributing on the defensive end.
Hachimura will have to be at his best against a potent Miami Heat outfit and will also have to step up on the other end of the court for the Wizards, who continue to look shaky defensively.
Center - Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
After having a stellar 2019-20 campaign, Miami Heat big Bam Adebayo is expected to have another strong season. He has started off on a bright note, and has averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game so far.
The Kentucky alumnus has been a menace on both ends of the floor and has dominated his matchups. He will come up against Thomas Bryant on Saturday, and fans can expect him to record another double-double stat line.
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