NBA Preview: Heat at Suns

Tipoff: 10:30 PM ET, Thursday, December 23, 2010

Where: US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ

TV/Radio: TNT, Sun Sports, 790 WAXY

Records: Miami 21-9, Phoenix 13-14

Offensive Efficiency: Miami – fourth, Phoenix – second

Defensive Efficiency: Miami – second, Phoenix – 30th

Notes

• Vince Carter is likely out with a knee injury. Josh Childress would start in his place.
• The Suns lost their top two three-point shooters in a trade with Orlando, sending away Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu for Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat. The additions of Pietrus and Gortat figure to improve the Suns’ horrific defense.
• It’s interesting to see if the identity of this Suns team changes without as much firepower. The Suns’ new players have not suited up yet and acquiring Vince Carter was clearly more for his mostly expiring contract than anything else. Carter is well on his way to a record breaking ninth DQY award (Drama Queen of the Year).
• I expect Dwyane Wade to lead Miami tonight offensively in what should be a very favorable matchup against the likes of Josh Childress and Goran Dragic, with the latter likely seeing some time alongside Steve Nash at the two.

Related Posts:

• NBA Preview: Suns @ Heat
• Heat-Suns Highlights (VIDEO)
• NBA Preview: Bobcats @ Heat
• NBA Preview: Heat @ Magic
• NBA Preview: Hornets @ Heat