Preview and Prediction: San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat

Dejounte Murray and the Spurs take on the Heat (Photo via Twitter)

After a very disappointing loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the San Antonio Spurs will attempt to right themselves this afternoon against the Miami Heat. Oddsmakers see the game between the Spurs and the Heat as a toss-up.

San Antonio is 17-23 and 11-10 at home. The Heat are 29-12 and 11-11 on the road. These two teams played last week in Miami, with the Heat beating the Spurs by a final score of 106-100. The Spurs will be seeking revenge, while the Heat will be going for the season sweep.

San Antonio Spurs Illness Updates

Earlier this morning, the Spurs had Rudy Gay listed as doubtful and Dejounte Murray listed as questionable. Both players are battling an unspecified illness.

As game time approaches, the news is improving for San Antonio, as Murray is now being listed as available to play against the Heat.

Gay missed last game with the same illness. In his place, head coach Gregg Popovich went small and inserted Marco Belinelli into the rotation. It’s possible he could do the same this game or go with other options including the forgotten man, DeMarre Carroll. 

Miami Heat Injury Update: Tyler Herro

Tyler Herro has been out as of late while dealing with a knee injury. He missed the game last week against the Spurs. This afternoon, Herro is listed as a game-time decision.

If Herro is able to play, that’ll be a big boost for the Heat. The rookie, who was the 13th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He’s hitting 38.5% from three-point land and has authored a number of clutch shots already in his young career.

Spurs vs. Heat – Key Matchup

Kendrick Nunn had 33 points in this season’s first matchup between these two teams. The rookie hit 13-of-18 shots from the field, including 5-of-7 three-pointers.

If the Spurs are going to win this game, they’ll need to do much better work against Nunn. Assuming Murray will be able to play his normal role despite his illness, he will get an early test as he will be the main defender on Nunn. Others will also be thrown at him, including Derrick White and possibly Lonnie Walker IV.

Prediction: Spurs vs. Heat

While the loss to the Hawks was unfortunate, that loss follows the pattern the Spurs have displayed this season in which they play to the level of their opponent. I expect them to be ready for this game and to pull off a narrow victory over the Heat.

San Antonio Spurs – 112
Miami Heat – 110