Steve Dykes-US PRESSWIRE US PRESSWIRE
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a free throw.
Christian Post Report – The Miami Heat continue their run to make it to the playoffs as they host the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Arena in the NBA. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. on March 18, 2015.
With a 30-36 record, the Heat are eighth in the Eastern Conference – holding on to the last playoff spot. They are holding off the Boston Celtics, who have the same record but have inferior head-to-head results against the Heat. Moreover, Dwyane Wade and the Heat are coming off a big home with over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With LeBron James’ return to South Florida, it was Wade who played big. The Flash scored 32 points on 13-of-18 shooting from the field. Hassan Whiteside continued his impressive showing for Miami, securing a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Their defense held James to 42 percemt on the field and only two rebounds after 36 minutes on the floor.
Meanwhile, the Blazers had their three-game win streak broken in a 105-97 loss to the Washington Wizards.
In the loss, Damian Lillard scored 14 points while shooting a poor 28 percent from the field. LaMarcus Aldridge carried the scoring load with 24, while also grabbing 12 rebounds. The loss gave Portland a 44-21 record and are now 1.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies while only 0.5 ahead of the Houston Rockets.
When the two teams met earlier this year at the Moda Center, Portland won 99-83.
Aldridge had another had 24 points and 12 rebounds again, while Wesley Matthews scored 18 while going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Wade scored 23 points but was only 75 percent from the free throw line. Chris Bosh added 18 but the Heat were a poor 3-of-14 from beyond the arc. In addition, they were out-hustled by the Blazers who outrebounded them 50-42.
Both teams will be missing key players as Matthews is out for Portland while Miami will still play without Bosh.
For live scores, go to NBA.com. For live streaming, click here.
Source : Christian Post