Nets at Heat
THE STORY: Deron Williams is coming off a career-high 57-point performance as the New Jersey Nets try to end the Miami Heat’s nine-game homecourt winning streak Tuesday. Williams had 40 second-half points and set the franchise record for scoring in a game in Sunday’s dynamic performance against the Charlotte Bobcats. Miami has lost back-to-back games to the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers. The Heat are 15-2 at home and are beginning a three-game homestand.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, YES (Nets), SunSports (Heat)
ABOUT THE NETS (12-26): Center Brook Lopez is once again sidelined. Lopez sprained his right ankle against the Bobcats and is expected to miss about three weeks. He will wear a walking boot as a precaution with the injury occurring to the same foot that forced him to miss the first 32 games of the season. Lopez broke the foot shortly before the season started. He averaged 19.2 points in the five games in which he’s played.
ABOUT THE HEAT (28-9): Forward Chris Bosh is expected to rejoin Miami after missing three games because of the death of his grandmother. Bosh is averaging 18.4 points and 8.3 rebounds and comes under criticism for occasional lack of aggressiveness but was badly missed in the loss to the Lakers. “No question about it, Chris Bosh is a major component to what we do on both ends of the court,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s why we don’t listen to anybody when they talk about Chris’ importance or value. He’s one of the best players in the league.”
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Miami has beaten New Jersey eight consecutive times, including a 101-90 road victory on Jan. 7.
2. Williams scored 10 points and hit only 4 of 16 shots in the earlier meeting.
3. Dwyane Wade fouled out against the Lakers to become the first Miami player to foul out this season.