Germantas Kneita

The Miami Heat have dominated the Washington Wizards so far this season. They have won both games by 21 and 31-point margins, respectively. At home, the Heat should be able to maintain that type of margin here. The visitors have been getting blown out by most recent opponents, losing by 19 or more points in 6 of their last 8 games. The only opponents that did not happen against were the injury hit Golden State Warriors and the tanking Utah Jazz. The Heat are still involved in a tight race for play-in position so they will not lack motivation. They come into the game relatively healthy too. Norman Powell will miss the game, but Tyler Herro is probable to play. The Wizards on the other hand have 10 players on the injury report, with 6 out and 4 others questionable to play.

Of those who are injured, Alex Sarr is out and Tristan Vukcevic is listed as questionable. That should give the Heat a major advantage in the paint. When these sides last met Bam Adebayo had a historic 83-point performance. While it’s something he will not be able to recreate here, they should dominate inside. Over the last 10 games the Wizards have been giving up the most paint points in the NBA, while also being a bottom 5 team in offensive rating. During that time these teams are 5th and 6th in pace and the extra possessions that will create should give the Heat plenty of time to exploit their advantages and build a dominant lead.

Washington Wizards vs Miami Heat prediction: Heat -17.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to Heat -18.5.