Gameday Preview: The OKC Thunder travel to face the Miami Heat in one final clash with Flash

The OKC Thunder have been rolling as of late, winning six consecutive contests. They hope to avoid let down in Miami after a long Florida layover.

When the OKC Thunder took the floor versus the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, they were without starters Steven Adams and Terrance Ferguson, due to minor ailments. Although, speculation circulated NBA Twitter that perhaps Adams and T-Ferg would be part of a trade package both players remain vital cogs in the Thunder’s rotation, to the delight of many Thunder fans.

Historically, Oklahoma City has taken advantage of extended off days, as an opportunity to give their players extra rest. Prior to the Magic game, OKC had not played since Sunday, instead of two days off Ferguson and Adams received four full days of rest.

However, Alex Abrines making his return to the lineup after a bizarre 17-game absence was intriguing. It may be as simple as Abrines was ready to return, or perchance Oklahoma City could have been showcasing the Spaniard.

The match itself went well for the Thunder. Adams and Ferguson’s absence forced Oklahoma City to play with focus. As opposed to the lackadaisical mindset that has crept up recently when facing second-tier squads.

Views from South Beach

After an illustrious 16 year career, 12-time All-Star Dwyane Wade announced the 2018-19 season would be his last. Wade did not play his entire career with the Heat thanks in part to a rocky relationship with Pat Riley. Be that as it may, Wade is indeed a Heat-lifer.

Wade has made it a tradition during his retirement tour to exchange jerseys with an opposing player at the conclusion of the match. It will be arousing to see if Wade elects to partake in the jersey swap with Russell Westbrook or Paul George.

Another player the Thunder likely look forward to facing is Dion Waiters. Dr. Dion played two seasons in Oklahoma City before the team renounced him in order to sign Russell Westbrook to a contract extension in the summer of 2016.

This evening game will be Waiters second match against the Thunder since his departure via free agency. During his three season’s in Miami Waiters has battled chronic ankle injuries, limiting him to a mere 87 games in a Heat jersey. For comparison, Dr. Dion appeared in 125 games in two seasons for Oklahoma City.

In 11 appearances this season, Waiters has averaged 18.0 minutes per games. During that time he has scored 8.5 points per match on 41.9 percent shooting. While accounting for 2.3 assists and grabbing 2.3 rebounds, Miami’s record is 5-6 when Waiters is in the lineup.