This is the first of a home-and-home series between these two teams. I like the Heat to protect their home turf knowing they'll be underdogs in the rematch Friday. Miami has defeated Washington five consecutive times, including four times last season.

The Wizards are riding a three-game win streak. Those victories, however, occurred against the Lakers, Kings and Hawks. Before those games, the Wizards lost by 14 points to the Mavericks. So the combined record of Washington's last four opponents is 13-43.

Miami is a couple levels higher than the bottom-feeding Mavericks, Kings and Hawks. Hassan Whiteside is back in rhythm after returning from a knee injury. He's played three strong games in a row giving the Heat the best inside player on the court and by far the best defender.

The Heat showed improvement during their six-game road trip going 3-3. Their losses were to the Warriors, Pistons and Nuggets by one point. Those three teams are a combined 29-12.

Miami finished its trip on Sunday so it has had ample time to get acclimitated to being home again.