Wednesday’s matchup to watch: Chris Bosh vs. Hornets’ power forwards
Hornets at Miami Heat
7:30 p.m., American Airlines Arena
TV: Fox Sports Southeast. Radio: WFNZ-AM 610.
Projected Starters
Hornets | Heat | |||||
Pos, Player | PPG | RPG | Pos, Player | PPG | RPG | |
G K. Walker | 13.4 | 1.4 | G G. Dragic | 6.7 | 2.7 | |
G N. Batum | 13.0 | 6.0 | G D. Wade | 10.1 | 3.8 | |
F P. Hairston | 6.2 | 2.0 | F L. Deng | 8.0 | 3.5 | |
F TBD | F C. Bosh | 13.7 | 4.6 | |||
C A. Jefferson | 11.2 | 5.7 | C H. Whiteside | 10.7 | 9.7 | |
Matchup to Watch
Chris Bosh vs. Marvin Williams/Cody Zeller: Bosh is back from a blood-clot issue that sidelined him much of last season. He has the shooting range and ball-handling skills to operate out beyond the 3-point line.
Observations
▪ The Heat has back former Charlotte Bobcats forward Josh McRoberts, who missed much of last season with a knee injury. McRoberts figures to be a key reserve for the Heat this season.
▪ Hornets coach Steve Clifford said Monday he intends to start P.J. Hairston at small forward in place of injured Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. He was undecided on Tuesday between Zeller and Williams as the starter at power forward.
Tap-ins
▪ The Hornets went 7-1 in the preseason. The remade roster (seven new players) was built primarily to improve the team’s lacking offense last season.
▪ This is the first of three games against Southeast Division rivals. The Hornets have a home-and-home with the Hawks (Friday in Atlanta and Sunday in Charlotte).
▪ Hornets guards Jeremy Lamb (ankle sprain) and Troy Daniels (hamstring) are doubtful for Wednesday’s game.
Did you know?
Last season broke a string of six playoff appearances and four division titles for the Heat.
Rick Bonnell
This story was originally published October 27, 2015 at 1:42 PM with the headline "Wednesday’s matchup to watch: Chris Bosh vs. Hornets’ power forwards."