Miami Heat-Washington Wizards Preview: Can Miami Build Off Wednesday’s Win?

What to look for in the Heat’s Friday night matchup in the nation’s capital

Author:
Nick Crandell
Feb 2, 2024 6:15 AM EST

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Miami Heat

A win? A win!

The Miami Heat (25-23) finally snapped their seven-game skid on Wednesday night, taking down the Sacramento Kings 115-106.

Next on the docket are the Washington Wizards (9-38), losers of 16 of 20 games. With the second worst record in the NBA, the Wizards have struggled mightily. This should be a win for Miami, but who knows what will happen judging on how this season has played out.

Previous Matchups

Friday night is the second of four matchups between the two Southeast Division rivals. The Heat won the first 121-114 Nov. 3 in Miami.

Miami’s Big 3 of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro all played well. Butler and Adebayo scored 20 points and 18 points, respectively, while Herro finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. The Heat bench shined as well, scoring 48 points. Duncan Robinson led the way with 18.

For the Wizards, the duo of Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole led the charge on offense. Kuzma had 22 points while Poole added 19 points, six assists and four steals. Despite being the Wizards’ two leading scorers, the tandem also had the two lowest plus/minus ratings on the team (Poole -21, Kuzma -20).

Opposing Players to Watch

In the midst of a massive rebuild, the Wizards lack talent. They rely heavily on Kuzma and Poole because they are littered with either unaccomplished, young players or career role players.

Kuzma averages 22 points, shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from the 3-point line. He is averaging 25.3 points the last four games.

As a second option, Poole averages 16.5 points. However, Poole’s shooting splits are not so respectable. He is shooting 41.4 percent from the field; 31.2 percent from the arc. Poole is averaging just 13.8 points over his last four games.

Key Matchup

Kyle Kuzma vs. Jimmy Butler

With both Kuzma and Butler being the focal point of their team’s offense, this matchup likely determines the game. Kuzma has the ability to make things happen, especially on the offensive end.

Unfortunately for Kuzma, he is facing a focused and pissed-off Butler. In the Heat’s Wednesday night win, Butler had 31 points on 10 of 14 shooting. The performance was a day after he led a fiery team meeting to address the recent struggles.