Washington Wizards vs. Miami Heat: How to watch, injury report, and prediction
The 2018-19 season has finally arrived as the Washington Wizards host the Miami Heat.
It seems as though we’ve been anticipating this moment for an eternity, but the wait finally is over. The Washington Wizards season opener is finally upon us and it couldn’t be more exciting.
John Wall and Bradley Beal will lead the charge against the Miami Heat, who most likely will be the team to challenge Washington for the division crown. The Wizards retained most of their core from last season yet added some key players this off-season in Dwight Howard, Austin Rivers, and Jeff Green.
The Heat are coming off a tough loss to the Orlando Magic Wednesday night in their season opener. They final score was 104-101 as they came close in overcoming a double-digit deficit. Expect a bounce back game from Miami tonight as they try to avoid going 0-2 start to the season.
Game Info
Game: Washington Wizards vs. Miami Heat
When: Thursday, October 18
Where: Capital One Arena
TV: NBC Sports Washington, Fubo TV
Tip-Off Time: 8:00 pm Eastern Time
Injury Report
Wizards: Dwight Howard (Back-Questionable)
Heat: James Johnson (Sports Hernia-Out), Dion Waiters (Left Ankle-Out), Wayne Ellington (Left Ankle-Doubtful), Justice Winslow (Right Hamstring-Doubtful)
Projected Starting Lineup
Wizards: G-John Wall, G-Bradley Beal, F- Otto Porter Jr., F-Markieff Morris, C-Dwight Howard
Heat: G-Goran Dragic, G-Josh Richardson, F-Rodney McGruder, F-Derrick Jones Jr., C-Hassan Whiteside
Prediction
As we’ve seen throughout the preseason, Washington will play quicker and attempt a heavy amount of 3-pointers. Look for the Wizards to throw some different guard combinations at the Heat tonight to see how they will react. In addition, Wall’s agility will allow him to push the tempo of the game, which will help produce more transition points for the team.
Howard will be a game-time decision. Ian Mahinmi will assume the center responsibilities if he can’t can’t suit up for the affair. Washington doesn’t want to rush the big man back and that’s the correct approach. Better safe than sorry.
Miami has a decent amount of injuries. They aren’t a full-strength and this is the second night of a back-to-back for the team. That’s always a tough way to start the season, but the Wizards need to take full advantage of the situation.
Related Story. Washington Wizards: 3 biggest concerns heading into the regular season. light
All in all, this will be a face-paced game. The two teams produced a high-scoring affair in preseason when Washington beat Miami 121-114. Thursday night should manufacture a similar outcome. A hyped Wizards team, the home opener, and a depleted Heat roster all indicate a Washington victory to start the season.
Final Score: WSH-110, MIA-101
To stay up to date on all things Wizards this season, be sure to follow Wiz of Awes throughout the season.