NBA 15-16/01/22: Miami Heat collide with Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets face Los Angeles Lakers

The NBA threw up some fascinating results last weekend, with Brooklyn Nets enjoying a blowout 138-112 victory over the Chicago Bulls. We will look ahead to three fixtures this weekend, including the Miami Heat v Philadelphia 76ers, and the Denver Nuggets v Los Angeles Lakers. Read on for our full preview.

Miami Heat in good shape after a comfortable win over Atlanta Hawks

The Heat have been one of the surprise packages so far this season. After a 115-108 defeat at the start of 2022 to the Golden State Warriors, the Heat have bounced back in style, reeling off three wins on the bounce. Against the Atlanta Hawks earlier this week, the Heat claimed a rousing 115-91 win.

Tyler Herro was the pick of the players for the Heat, as he enjoyed a double-double, as he notched up 21 points, as well as 11 rebounds after spending 33 minutes on the floor. He was well backed up by the likes of Caleb Martin, who contributed 18 points while Duncan Robinson posted 14 points on the board.

Miami Heat still waiting on Markieff Morris return

While there have been some fitness issues of late surrounding Jimmy Buttler, the Heat will be desperate to get Markieff Morris back on the court. Recently, Morris missed his 30th straight game due to whiplash. However, Morris took to Twitter recently, explaining he hopes to return to action soon. He said: “It’s a real injury!”

Philadelphia 76ers on the rebound after surprise defeat to Charlotte Hornets

The 76ers were below par, meanwhile, will be desperate to get back to winning ways after their 109-98 loss to Charlotte Hornets earlier this week. Although Joel Embiid drained 31 points, the Hornets proved to be too strong, and they were driven to victory by Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier.

Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons still at a stalemate

One player whose future remains uncertain at the 76ers, is Ben Simmons. With a month to go until the trade deadline, Simmons and the 76ers are still trying to frantically strike a deal. As a way of trying to put off potential suitors, the 76ers have slapped a big asking price. It will be fascinating to see how this saga plays out.

Denver Nuggets still searching for a level of consistency

At the moment, there’s no need to hit the panic button. The Nuggets are occupying a playoff spot, as they are sixth in the Western Conference. However, they will be eager to produce more consistent performances. Earlier this week, they came up agonizingly short against the Los Angeles Clippers. Before that, they edged past the Oklahoma City Thunder 99-95.

Sometimes, you just aren’t sure what you are going to get from the Nuggets. However, there have been rumours floating about that the Boston Celtics are interested in re-signing Jeff Green. During his previous spell at the Celtics, Green averaged just shy of 15 points per game, although he sat out the 2011/12 season due to a heart problem.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have been an enigma at times this season. Against the Sacramento Kings, the Lakers were ahead for most of the first half, and at one point LeBron James made two hoops that left the Lakers leading with less than two minutes to go. But they crashed to a 125-116 defeat, and they will need to improve against the Nuggets.

Golden State Warriors looking to keep the pressure on Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have been tearing things up in the Western Conference this season, but the Warriors aren’t going to let them have it all their own way. The Warriors have shown signs they are fast approaching the side that won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, and they can’t afford to take the Minnesota Timberwolves lightly.

The Timberwolves may be ninth in the Western Conference standings with a 20-21 record to boot, but they have a funny habit of catching teams off guard. You only have to ask the Clippers that! Their clash with the Warriors will be fascinating, and it could be quite a tight encounter.

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