Nets vs. Heat
Rematch:
The Nets are looking to avenge a 104-98 loss to the Miami Heat nearly two weeks ago at Barclays Center. Brook Lopez (25 points) and Jarrett Jack (22 points, 10 assists) had the Nets within one point of Miami in the fourth, but the Nets couldn’t get over the hump. Dwyane Wade put up a vintage performance in the last meeting, scoring 28 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. The Nets would like to repeat certain aspects of that game, namely a season-low six turnovers (with 24 assists).
Heating Up:
The Heat are 3-2 since beating the Nets on Dec. 16 and are currently on a two-game winning streak, most recently beating the Orlando Magic 108-101. Miami has rocketed up the Southeast Division standings and is now a half-game back of the Atlanta Hawks.
Wade used his 28-point night against the Nets as a springboard, as the veteran guard is averaging 20 points over his last five games. Chris Bosh has also caught fire over the past four games, averaging 26 points
Thaddeus Young:
Thaddeus Young continues to thrive in his first full season with the Nets. Young has a team-high 16 double-doubles this season, tied for fourth most in the NBA. Young tied a season high with 14 rebounds on Saturday against Washington and has recorded four steals in back-to-back games. Young has recorded a steal in 10 straight games.
Brook Lopez:
Like Young, Brook Lopez has been a consistent scorer for the Brooklyn Nets this season. Lopez has recorded double-doubles in three of his last four games, most recently posting 19 points and 11 rebounds in the Nets’ loss to the Washington Wizards. Lopez’s most productive game in December came against the Heat, when the center scored 25 points, two shy of his season-high.
