Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Injury Updates and Lineup Predictions

The NBA action in the Orlando bubble continues as Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to lock horns with Miami Heat on Wednesday. Both these teams are doing well in terms of their standings in their respective conferences. OKC Thunder is currently the fifth seed in the Western Conference, just 1.5 games behind the Rockets in the fourth seed. Miami Heat, on the other hand, finds itself as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.

The teams have only faced each other once before this season. It will be gripping to see how the two perform in their second face-off.

Miami Heat injury report and lineup prediction

The Heat is one of the best teams in the East and is very much likely to make a run for the NBA Championship. Playing the OKC Thunder will be a test for their playoff strength. The players have displayed good form until now. However,  Jimmy Butler has been disappointing in shooting the ball. However, with Duncan Robinson, who is probably the best shooter in the bubble as of now by their side, the team is good to go.

Their shooting guard, Kendrick Nunn is also exiting his mandatory quarantine period on Wednesday and is expected to play against Thunder. Kelly Olynyk’s presence has been listed as questionable because of a bruised thumb. Jae Crowder, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro also contribute to the efficiency of the team.

Butler is without a doubt the playmaker of the team but the dip in shooting skills has limited the team from performing as well as it does. This is the problem that could arise in Wednesday’s game as well.

That being said, the lineup prediction would be Goran Dragic, Bam Adebayo, Jae Crowder, Jimmy Butler, and Duncan Robinson.

OKC injury report and lineup prediction

Oklahoma City Thunder has been doing decently so far. But their last game was a shameful loss against the Phoenix Suns with a score of 128-101. However, this could be because three of their key pieces were not playing the match. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams did not play the Suns and were all expected to be there for their matchup against Heat. However, Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel have both been listed as probable for the match.

Danilo is a very talented shooter in the team and with Chris Paul as the playmaker, Thunder can actually put across a great fight. He is very swift while moving past defenders and offensively speaking, has no difficulty. He hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase a great shooting game in the bubble but is looking to do so this time.

OKC’s point guard, Dennis Schroder is reported to be back in the bubble. He had left to be a part of the birth of his child. But he has to complete his four-day quarantine before he can join the team. Therefore, he will be missing the match with Heat.

The lineup prediction would be Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, Steven Adams, Luguentz Dort, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

This matchup is a tough call. Heat is the most reliable bet. But with three of its key players back, Thunder’s players may be in better form.