Heat Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Struggling Trail Blazers

MIAMI, Fla. — The Miami Heat (21-20) will host the Portland Trail Blazers (14-28) on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The game marks the first of a three-game Eastern Conference road trip for the Trail Blazers, who are coming off a win against the Chicago Bulls that snapped a five-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Heat recently ended their own three-game skid with a victory, positioning themselves just above .500.

Portland’s recent struggles have been evident, with the team losing four of its last five games, including a 119-98 blowout loss to Miami on Jan. 11. The Heat, led by Jimmy Butler, who recently returned from a suspension, are looking to solidify their playoff position in the competitive Eastern Conference. Butler, who averaged 13.0 points in his last two games, will be a key factor in Miami’s quest for another win.

The Trail Blazers, one of the youngest teams in the NBA, have faced challenges on both ends of the court. They rank 27th in offensive rating (108.6) and 26th in defensive rating (117.1). Despite promising performances from young players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, Portland has struggled to compete against playoff-caliber teams. Injuries have also plagued the team, with Anfernee Simons, Robert Williams III, and Kris Murray listed as questionable, while Donovan Clingan and Matisse Thybulle are out.

Miami, on the other hand, is seeing positive contributions from rookie center Kel’el Ware, who scored a career-high 25 points in a recent game against the San Antonio Spurs. Ware’s emergence has allowed Bam Adebayo, a first-team All-Defensive player, to focus more on perimeter defense, strengthening the Heat’s defensive schemes.

Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn has also been a topic of discussion among fans, with some suggesting he could be a potential candidate for the Trail Blazers’ head coaching position if Chauncey Billups departs. Quinn, who has worked under Erik Spoelstra for over a decade, is seen as a promising option for a young, rebuilding team like Portland.

As the game approaches, Miami is favored to win, with analysts predicting a double-digit victory. The Heat’s combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent makes them a formidable opponent for the struggling Trail Blazers.