Mavericks vs. Heat: Why Dwyane Wade Will Dominate Defending Champs

If you think the Miami Heat have forgotten about losing the NBA Finals to the Dallas Mavericks, think again—they'll be motivated to come out and bury Dallas just like the did to open the season on Christmas, when they smoked the Mavs, 105-94.

Dwyane Wade will lead the charge. In the first meeting, he was good for 26 points, eight rebounds and six assists (or as I like to call it, LeBron James' line for the season).

The problem for the Mavs is that their best defender, Shawn Marion, will probably be busying himself with LeBron, leaving Wade more favorable defensive matchups. Of course, that didn't stop James from going off for 37 points, 10 rebounds and six assists himself in the first game.

In other words, don't bother to pick your poison, Miami—your getting both doses either way.

I simply don't think the Mavericks can keep up with James and Wade in Miami's more transition-reliant offense this season, and frankly, I think Wade is due for a huge night.

Oh, and with James dislocating his finger, but still saying he will play, don't be surprised to see the offense funnel more through Wade. If LeBron is out there, he needs to be a part of the offense, but if they don't have to push it with him, why do so?

Keep an eye on Wade against the Mavs. He'll be the guy lighting them up.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets have won a lot since 2009.