The Miami Heat might have been missing a good portion of their lineup when they were upset by the Sacramento Kings in overtime, but everyone will return for a tough matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers who are surging as one of the Western Conference's top teams. The surprise of the season so far, Portland would love to hand the two-time defending champs their second-consecutive loss of the year.
The Heat were without Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen and Chris Andersen when they saw their six-game win streak broken against the Kings following a 108-103 defeat. Wade is certain to be back on the court. The Heat star has sat out back-to-back games some throughout the season due to knee issues. He specifically sat during the Kings game in order to be healthy when Miami faces Portland. Andersen and Allen are less certain.
The Blazers have shocked the league so far this year as thy sit on top of the Northwest Division, taking lead over Oklahoma. They have won seven of their last eight games including a defeat of the Los Angeles Clippers. Portland went on a 10-5 run to seal the win as LaMarcus Aldridge put up 32 points and 10 rebounds. He has some success against the Heat in his career, putting up 24.8 points in his last six games against the team. Damian Lillard has averaged well against Miami as well. He put up 33 points in the team's recent loss to the champs last year.
James will look to carry the team if certain stars are out of the lineup again. In his last 18 games against Portland, James has averaged 30.4 pints and 9.8 rebounds. On the road against Portland, he has put up 34.8 points and 10.8 rebounds.
Portland enters the game with the better record and the momentum, but Miami knows how to rebound. James remains uncertain for the game after injuring his groin against Sacramento. If he is unable to play, expect Chris Bosh to be a big factor. In his last two meetings against Portland, Bosh has averaged 30.5 points on 76.5 percent shooting.