nba

Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat game preview

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 21, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

After a hard-fought win in Orlando, the Houston Rockets travel to South Beach for a game about 40 hours later. This is a recipe for disaster. At least James Harden isn’t on the team anymore.

The Heat are 31-29 and are coming off back-to-back losses against the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers. They play offense at the league’s fastest pace and take (and make) the most shots in the league. They grab the most defensive rebounds and are fourth on defense.

Norman Powell got hurt against the Sixers so Miami’s offense will mostly revolve around Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Amen Thompson’s nemesis, Tyler Herro.

The early games are basically always losses for the Rockets, regardless of roster. I expect Miami to come out hot after two losses and treat this game a bit more seriously than Houston. If the Rockets come out sloppily, this could be over in a hurry.

Tip-off

2:30pm CT

How To Watch

Space City Home Network and Amazon Prime Video

Injury Report

Rockets

Steven Adams: OUT

Fred VanVleet: OUT

Jae’Sean Tate: OUT

Jabari Smith Jr.: OUT

Heat

Nikola Jovic: GTD

Norman Powell: OUT

The Line (as of this post)

Hou -3.5

Check here for updates

Looking ahead because we can

Monday night in Washington D.C. against the Wizards

Read full story at Yahoo Sport →