The Miami Heat have hit a rare rough patch in their season to defend their NBA title for a third time. The defending champs have dropped the first three games of their six-game road trip. They defeated their last two opponents and aim to keep the momentum up against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Heat are coming off an overtime win against the Charlotte Bobcats where LeBron James went 13 of 25 from the field. He finished with 34 points after putting up the second-most shot attempts of the season. Kevin Durant, anyone? The reigning MVP told media that he intends to keep up the aggressive play especially with Dwyane Wade on the bench. Chris Bosh followed his teammate, putting up 25 points of his own.
The Heat are hopeful to have a few players back in the lineup after a day of rest. Wade is expected to return after resting his knees against the Bobcats. Greg Oden could see more playing time if Chris Andersen remains out with a bruised knee.
The Hawks return from a disappoint trip to London where they lost the Brooklyn Nets at the O2 Arena. Trying to get a win against Miami could be tough considering the last time Atlanta beat the Heat was JAn. 2 of 2012. They have lost seven-straight home games to their Eastern Conference rivals. The Hawks hope Jeff Teague can step up once again. The point guard had 26 points against Miami in the two team's last matchup.
The Hawks have had some decent home success lately. Atlanta has won seven of their last eight home games, winning 14 of 19 overall. The Heat could be challenged on the road, but with James scoring the way he is, Atlanta's losing streak to the champs could continue.
