Heat Hope to Regain Footing

In its first game of the 2008-09 season, the Miami Heat lost to the New York Knicks. Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslem, Mario Chalmers and Daequan Cook all played well. In fact, Miami's offense was spot-on, scoring 115 points in 48 minutes is no easy task. The problem was the defense. The one-two punch of Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford was simply too much for the Heat.

The Heat face off again today against the Sacramento Kings in its' home opener. All eyes will be on Michael Beasley, who struggled in the loss to New York. Beasley attempted five three-pointers -- connecting on only one, and shot an additional three attempts from beyond the paint. Beasley may not be bulkier than David Lee, but can at least go hard to rim and get fouled. The second overall pick in 2008 did not even attempt a free throw.

Many eyes will also be on Mario Chalmers. Because of his outstanding performance Wednesday night, we should expect Spoelstra to start Chalmers again. But questions still surround this second-round draft pick. Sure, anyone can have a good game, but can be consistent to the point where he can be a starter for Miami? Every dog has his day. Now, two consecutive games of good play does not immediately constitute starting status, but it would be a step in the right direction.

The Kings will probably start sophomore Spencer Hawes tonight against the Miami Heat. Hawes was able to register 12 points and 14 rebounds in last Wednesday's loss to the Timberwolves. Hawes also stands at 7-feet tall, which could pose a problem with Udonis Haslem starting at center.

Mark Blount was the first center off the bench Wednesday night, and I expect that we'll see more of him tonight. But I would also like to see Joel Anthony get some playing time. He's got long arms and a nice vertical leap, which would help him defending a tall presence like Hawes.

It should be a nice game, and I am hoping it will put the Heat at .500, a feat the 2007-08 Heat team never even came close to. But a fan can merely hope.