San Antonio Spurs vs Miami Heat: Prediction, Key Players, Injuries

The San Antonio Spurs take on the Miami Heat on Friday night at the American Airlines Center.
The game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on ESPN. The game can also be heard on the radio on WOAI 1200 AM.
This is the first matchup of two between the two teams.
How will the Spurs fare against the Heat? We take a look at recent history, injuries, and key players to predict the outcome of the game!
Recent Games
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are 31-18 overall and 19-7 at home. The Spurs are coming off a 110-103 victory against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are 21-28 overall and 13-13 on the road. They are coming off a 102-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hassan Whiteside led the Heat with 24 points and 20 rebounds.
Injuries
San Antonio Spurs
Tiago Splitter– Tiago Splitter is listed as day-to-day with an illness.
Miami Heat
Dwayne Wade- Dwayne Wade is out with a hamstring issue.
Mario Chalmers– Mario Chalmers is listed as day-to-day with a left shin contusion.
Players to Watch For Miami Heat
Hassan Whiteside- Hassan Whiteside is on an absolute tear as of late. On the season Whiteside is averaging 9.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Those statistics are a bit misleading as Whiteside was playing small minutes. In the last 8 games, Whiteside is averaging 14.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.3 blocks.
Chris Bosh– Chris Bosh is in a bit of a shooting slump as of late, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t having a good season. In the past 10 games Bosh is shooting 44% from the field. His season averages are still sharp at 21.1 points and 7.3 rebounds.
Luol Deng– Luol Deng isn’t the player he was on the Chicago Bulls a few years ago, but he is a terrific role player. Deng defends well and can score in a variety of ways. He is averaging 14.3 points and 5 rebounds.
Prediction
. 101. 29. 95. 110
This game will be closer than it should be, as Whiteside will have a huge game for the Spurs. At the end Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard will make key plays to win the game.