The New Jersey Nets will try to follow up their impressive 97-85 victory over the Toronto Raptors with a win against one of the NBA's best, when the Miami Heat visit the Prudential Center Saturday night. After sitting out a victory over the Atlanta Hawks Thursday night, LeBron James will return to the starting lineup while Dwyane Wade will continue to miss time.
Deron Williams returned from a sore side against the Raptors and led the Nets with 24 points and nine assists. He talked about wanting to face the Heat at full strength, but he will have to settle for just having James on the other side of the ball. Anthony Morrow also poured in 24 points against Toronto, but could be limited after undergoing a root canal earlier Saturday.
Explosive rookie MarShon Brooks should return for New Jersey after sitting out Friday night with a sprained ankle, but he will be limited. Center Mehmet Okur played just three minutes in Toronto after suffering back spasms, is day-to-day and won't be able to play against the Heat.
The matchup will be a contrast in styles. The Heat lead the league in scoring with 109.3 points per game, while the Nets are 29th with an average of 84.9. New Jersey has yet to score 100 points in a game and have only reached 90 four times.
Miami didn't miss James and Wade on Thursday, but will certainly welcome their 48.7 points per game back to the court. They can only expect to be carried by the likes of Chris Bosh so many times throughout the season.
The Nets were swept by the Eastern Conference champions last year and have dropped seven straight to the Heat.
Next up for New Jersey is their third game of the season against the Atlanta Hawks when the two teams meet at the Prudential Center Monday night.