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The Miami HEAT host the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday night at AmericanAirlines Arena. Get your tickets now! Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM, and television coverage is on FOX Sports Sun. You can also listen to the action live on 790 The Ticket.

1: How was Miami able to beat the Celtics by double digits?

Couper Moorhead: Thursday’s win is interesting to consider in the context of another recent game against an opponent on a tough back-to-back. When Milwaukee visited a couple weeks ago having played in Boston the night before, they understandably had some trouble making shots. But Miami also had a very specific scheme ready for them and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and at no point in that game did the Bucks look comfortable in their offense. It was a forceful victory that was all about what Miami did well.

The win against the Celtics, who also played in Boston the night before, didn’t quite feel the same. Which isn’t to say Miami did anything poorly or didn’t earn the game, it simply felt like more of a normal, formulaic game without anything particularly exceptional standing out outside of the team hitting a season-high 18 threes after they had struggled from the perimeter for the past week. It was a convincing victory, but next time these teams play and we ask whether we learned much about this matchup from this game, the answer will probably be no.

Joe Beguiristain: Simply put, they moved the ball well and hit their threes.

In fact, the HEAT recorded a season-high 33 assists, including a career-high 11 dimes from Justise Winslow, and hit a season-high 18 treys as a result. And while the Celtics got within eight points late in the third quarter after Miami led by as many as 26, Dwyane Wade responded to keep Miami ahead.

That said, Winslow and Derrick Jones Jr. also did their thing on the defensive end to make sure the HEAT kept a stranglehold on the game. In particular, Winslow locked down Jayson Tatum for most of the evening, while Jones Jr. made things as tough as possible on Kyrie Irving.

To be fair, Boston playing on a back-to-back might have hindered things, but the schedule is the schedule.

Couper: It was an interesting time for these teams to play one another, as it came right around when Miami was re-focusing their defense on protecting the paint while slowing down their own offense a bit after playing with a bit more pace earlier in the season. So playing Memphis, with Justise Winslow settling into his role as the starting point guard, was almost perfect at the time as it wound up being the slowest game of the season but Miami still put up an Offensive Rating of 111.1 because even in such a grind-it-out game, the HEAT were still able to generate 39 threes and hit 15 of them to sustain their overall attack. Memphis was also able to score reasonably well, despite poor three-point shooting, because they got to the free-throw line and kept their turnovers down, but there’s little reason to think this game should play out differently, stylistically playing.

The Grizzlies may be slipping of late at 4-11 in their last 15 games, but this promises to be a game that comes down to half-court execution.

Joe: That last matchup against Memphis was similar to the win over Boston in that Miami kept the ball moving to neutralize one of the league’s best defenses. But on the flip side of things, the Grizzlies found success offensively before the HEAT closed things out down the stretch and held Memphis to 33.3 percent shooting in the fourth.

And at the end of the day, the Grizzlies’ offense begins and ends with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. As a matter of fact, Memphis scores just 95 points per 100 possessions when Conley is off the court. And that number doesn’t get much better when Gasol is off the floor, as the Grizzlies score only 96.7 points per 100 in that predicament.

So, if the HEAT can limit those two Saturday night (Jones Jr. did a great job against Conley in that last meeting), they’ll have a great chance to end their homestand on a high note.

3: Does Memphis’ recent trade for Justin Holiday change anything?

Couper: Just about a week ago the Grizzlies traded MarShon Brooks, Wayne Selden and a second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls for Holiday, who most HEAT fans will remember for hitting threes in bunches against Miami in recent years. Holiday hasn’t done much so far, averaging less than 20 minutes per game and yet to hit a three, but he’s there to shoot for a team that is No. 24 in three-point percentage and No. 25 in three-point volume. So, simply as a player who fills a specific need, Holiday could certainly affect this matchup, especially when Miami did so much of its work last time against the Memphis bench, which hit just two triples all of that game. This will only be Holiday’s fourth game with the team, but he may play a bigger role, even in moderate minutes, than you might expect.

Although Holiday has yet to make his mark in Memphis, he brings shooting to a team that desperately needs it. For the season, the Grizzlies are ranked in the bottom third in both three-point attempts and percentage on those looks. And with Dillon Brooks now out, things are even tougher. But if Holiday can get going along with JaMychal Green, Memphis should be able to improve in that area.

STATUS UPDATE: Hassan Whiteside (Illness) is out.

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Memphis Grizzlies at Miami HEAT Game Preview

MIAMI, FL  The 2007-08 season marks the 20th Anniversary of the Miami HEAT and the franchise aims to celebrate the milestone not only throughout the season, but during the 20 days leading up to the Opening Night contest versus the arch rival Detroit Pistons on November 1. The 20 Days of HEAT promotion will begin October 12 and the HEAT will host a different event each day to generate excitement and enthusiasm in South Florida. The 20 Days of HEAT festivities will touch the community in a variety of ways including pre-season games, special Miami Hoops Gear retail sales, the re-launch of HEAT.com, the 20th Anniversary banner unveiling, a HEAT Halloween Candy Giveaway and the signature events, the 20 Hours of HEAT Basketball Game and HEAT Hispanic Heritage Day in Hialeah.

A complete listing of all 20 Days of HEAT events is listed below.

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HEAT to Host "20 Days of HEAT"

HEAT Insider attended Dwyane Wades first press conference of the 2007-08 season as he talked about rehab, the Celtics off-season moves and playing with Kobe.

Do you have full mobility in your shoulder and knee?

My (left) shoulder doesnt feel like my right, but it feels good. My main thing is to continue to get it stronger and continue to get as much mobility in it as I can in it. Some days it feels great and some days it doesnt feel as great. Its just the process of getting my shoulder back to doing the things it normally does. With my knee my main thing is not to have any setbacks, continue to go forward with my rehab. The things you have to do is get your quad muscles and your calf muscle strong  you have to get all that back. One of my legs is much bigger than the other one so Im trying to average them out by working them out. I just dont want to have any setbacks, but Im not in pain so Im happy about that.

Which one are you more confident in right now?

I think as an athlete, youre going to be more nervous about your knee because its your wheels, its what you do a lot of stuff off of. My shoulder is my left arm. I go left a lot, but I dont have to finish left a lot. Im not really worried about my left shoulder as much. I know theres strength there. I know Dr. (Harlan) Selesnick did a great job in tightening up my shoulder because its very tight. As a player, you know anytime you have knee surgery you have to wonder about getting the explosion back, not bumping knees, and things like that, for a while.

Shaquille ONeal is going through some personal issues. Are you helping him cope with that?

Shaq is a professional. I think that guys who have sports as their jobs, they really use that to get away from whatever it is that they have going on in their personal life. Basketball is kind of a way out. Im sure when he comes in he will be focused on what were trying to do. Hell deal with everything else with the people around him. Just like with any other player on the team, he has our support on and off the court.

With both you and Antoine Walker being from Chicago, did you talk to him about his incident this summer?

Actually, I have never talked to him about his situation because I know that everyone has. Every time we talk, I keep it to whatever we always talk about and not bring up anything that has happened in the past. It was unfortunate and we all know it. It alerted everyone in Chicago to be cautious. I never talked about it. Its something that happened, it happened in the past and were trying to move forward.

Were you disappointed that you were not with Team USA to win gold at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship?

Disappointed? No. I was happy for them just like if I was playing. I look at it like being my team. Ive been a part of it since 2004. Disappointed? No. Anxious to play at times? Yes. When youre around and see the amazing things Jason Kidd does every game and the way the Kobe Bryant brings it every game, and just the way that all those guys were playing this summer just makes you want to be a part of it. It also makes you excited about your opportunity when youre going to be a part of it. I already know how Im going to fit in. I think watching gave me an advancement on next summer on how Im going to fit in with the team.

Kobe Bryant took over and became the go-to guy. Do you see yourself meshing with his style of play?

No question. I think Kobe is going to bring the competitor out of me. Im actually looking forward to it. Just watching him play at the Americas Championship, he brought a defensive mentality. We have a lot of guys who are offensively unbelievable, but he brought a defensive mentality that was unbelievable. His whole focus was not to let his player score, and a lot of teams they didnt. I think hes going to bring a better defender out of me, that mentality out of me, and offensively everything will take care of itself.

Where do you feel the Celtics stand and where do you think they will finish in the East?

Theres no secret that the futures looking bright in Boston. They all are very excited, as they should be. Just like when we got Shaq, we were very excited. Its going to take time for them to mesh to be the team that they want to be. Whether they start the season strong, its going to be a point in the season where they will have to take it to another level. Its going to be a challenge for all of them even with three great players on the team with some other great role players. But they have to play just like everyone else, and I think everyone will be up for it and look for to it. I know I am. Im looking forward to the opportunity to play against K.G. (Kevin Garnett), Ray (Allen), Paul (Pierce) and Poze (James Posey) and the other guys. It should be great to go to Boston. Im sure the city is excited, but thats going to bring the competitor out of every team that goes in there. Just as theyve gotten better, the expectation will be tough. As champions, we know how it is when people come in our home they bring it. Whether they have lost nine games in a row, they will play their best game versus you. Its going to be tough on them mentally, but they have a great team.

What was your reaction to the off-season moves?

Coach (Pat Riley) and I have a great relationship. Every decision that went on, I pretty much knew about it. I try to do my recruiting just like everyone else. I was surprised that we were in the mix of a lot of things, but a lot of things didnt go our way this year. Thats how it is. We cant make a blockbuster trade every summer. We have enough talent here. Were going to go out here with our young guys and play the game of basketball. We didnt get the big name players this summer, but if we get the big name players every summer Were going to trust our guys to that extent. Coach is going to continue to be the president, hes going to continue to make this team better. But right now, I think we have enough. Our whole thing is to make sure we come in with great energy and effort and be healthy. With that being said, were as tough as any team in the East and as tough as any team in the league.

Youve been Dorell Wrights biggest supporter. How ready, in your eyes, is he to break into the rotation and potentially start?

I think he is ready for the challenge. Everyone has to understand that he has to get comfortable on the court, get comfortable with the offense and a more important role early on. There are going to be some games where he looks great and then there will be some games where he is going to struggle. We all have faith in Dorell. I have a tremendous amount of faith in him because I have been around him more than anybody. I see his ability. Im excited for him. Im happy that he is getting an opportunity, and I think hes going to do well in it. I cant wait to get back on the court with him out there with me.

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HEAT Insider: Dwyane Wade Press Conference

Language barriers and cultural differences dont stop the Legends from making a difference worldwideand the recent Legends Reunion in Puerto Rico was no different.

This past September, the NBRPA incorporated a new element into their Annual Reunion repertoire. This time around, the Legends weekend of fun, sun and walks down memory lane included a day of community service, a chance for these sports icons to bring a smile to the faces of hundreds of children.

This event was particularly special for the Legends, said Len Elmore, NBRPA President. We set out to San Juan not only to reunite with our peers, but with a mission to make a difference in a community that certainly needed and appreciated our support. Our group is dedicated to helping our own and helping othersit was a natural fit.

An eternally vivacious and animated Wali Jones, member of the 1967 Champion 76ers, hosted a fantastic basketball clinic, alongside former San Diego Clipper and professional motivational speaker, Jim Brogan. Nearly 100 boys and girls from local homeless shelters gathered at The Robinson School for an interactive and entertaining morning of hoops.

The duo of Jones and Brogan was joined by an equally upbeat cast of former players, including Sam Perkins, Mack Calvin, Dan Anderson, Jim Price, Walt Hazzard, Stephen Howard, Michael Ray Richardson, Aaron James, Eldridge Recasner, Sedric Toney and Tom Hoover.

The main thing is that we feel like we can make a differenceits about Legends teaming up with Legends to help our most important natural resource  our youth, said Jones, currently the Miami Heats community affairs liaison.

The kids soaked in all they could during their visit from the pros, as the sounds of squeaking sneakers and bountiful laughter permeated the open-aired gym. Overflowing with enthusiasm, the little ball players shot jumpers, practiced their defense, and listened intently as they learned the fundamentals of the international game.

While one group of Legends was hoopin, another group was over at San Jorge Childrens Hospital bringing joy and lifting the spirits of hundreds of sick kids.

Legends Len Elmore, Buck Williams, Willie Burton, Jim McIlvaine, Keith Herron, John Moore and Bobby Hunter went room to room, brightening the days of many boys and girls, from toddlers to teens.

Having spent time in the hospital as a child, I know how difficult that experience can be and how thrilled I was whenever I had a visitor. I always try to keep that experience in my mind when I visit children in hospitals today, said Jim McIlvaine, seven-year NBA veteran. Regardless of whether a retired player spoke fluent Spanish or a sick child spoke fluent English, smiles and laughs are universally understood and there were plenty of both to go around during our visit.

Buck Williams, three-time All-Star and 17-year NBA veteran, shared in McIlvaines sentiments.

I really enjoyed our visit with the kids at the hospitalit was special, all of us former players together, he said. Even in our retirement, its very important that we stay active in the community, and giving back in Puerto Rico was a perfect opportunity. It was a very productive day of community service.

Elmore made stops at both community events and was pleased to see everybody  kids and Legends alike  sharing laughter, special moments and rewarding experiences.
The basketball clinic and hospital visit was absolutely fantastic, said Elmore. The impact the Legends have on todays youth is almost unfathomable, and our community outreach in Puerto Rico certainly proved it. This is only the tip of the iceberg of what we can do as former players, and we look forward to continuing to make our presence felt globally.

Legends also distributed T-shirts, basketballs, signed autographs and took photos with the children at both sites.

It may have been the first time we did something like this during our Legends Reunion, but I am confident it wont be the last, said Jones. When I speak of the Legends, if not you, who? If not now, when? If not here, where? We can make a difference, not only here in the United States, but throughout the world. The NBA Cares and so do the Legends.

For more information on the Legends, log on to www.legendsofbasketball.com.
To view the photogallery for this event, click here.

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Legends Reunion 2007 Community

MIAMI, FL  The Miami HEAT announced today that three-time All-Star and 2006 NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade has the top selling NBA player jersey based on sales from retail locations across Europe during the 2006-07 NBA season. Wade, who also has one of the top selling jerseys in America, leads the top 10 list that features four  European  players among the top eight  Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (No. 3), Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns (No. 6), Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies (No. 7) and Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors (No. 8). Other players on the list include Allen Iverson of the Denver Nuggets (No. 2), Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (No. 4), LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 5), Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets (No. 9) and Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets (No. 10).

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Memphis Grizzlies at Miami HEAT Game Preview

HEAT to Host "20 Days of HEAT"

HEAT Insider: Dwyane Wade Press Conference

Legends Reunion 2007 Community

Wade Tops Jersey Sales In Europe