The streaking Miami Heat return to AmericanAirlines Arena Friday to host the Detroit Pistons. Miami is looking to extend its 24-game win streak, now the second-best streak in NBA history.
"What are we at? Twenty-four?" Miami's Dwyane Wade asked jokingly after Wednesday's dramatic comeback win in Cleveland. "You kind of lose count. It's awesome to be in this position."
The Heat have been playing strong basketball, but Miami's last two wins came after spotting their opponents double-digit leads. Cleveland built up a 27-point advantage early in the second half on Wednesday night, and on Monday the Heat spotted Boston a 17-point lead in the first half of Monday's win.
Miami will be wary of the Detroit Pistons, who beat the Heat 109-99 in Detroit on December 28. To be fair, Dwyane Wade missed that game while serving a one-game suspension. But things have not been going well for the Pistons as of late. Detroit has lost nine games in a row, most recently a 119-82 drubbing at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets.
That was the third loss by 30 or more points in March for Detroit, who gives up more points per 100 possessions (108.3) than all but five teams in the NBA. The Pistons are also banged up. Starting guard Jose Calderon has been dealing with flu-like symptoms, while point guard Brandon Knight is dealing with a sprained left ankle. Both are probable for tonight.
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Head coach Erik Spoelstra was critical of the Heat's energy (or lack thereof) after the first quarter of the Cleveland game Wednesday. It will be telling if the Heat get out to a fast start against Detroit. Miami has been playing with fire this week, and cannot count on overcoming double-digit deficits every night (even though they are built to score in a hurry).
But the way Miami is playing (outscoring opponents 101-92 per game in March, forcing 16 turnovers per game, and shooting 37 percent from 3-point range), it is hard to envision the Heat's streak dying against Detroit.
Coverage starts at 7:30 p.m. on Sun Sports and NBA TV.
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