Game Preview: Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (Tues - 7:30 ET)

The Miami Heat have come out on fire to start the season and have the NBA's best point differential after outscoring opponents by an average of 17 points in route to their 5-1 start. The Mavericks are 4-2 to start the season but haven't defeated one of last year's playoff teams and actually have a negative point differential so far. Both teams are dealing with ailing big men, as Bam Adebayo is questionable for the Heat, and Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber have both been ruled out with back problems. It's a tough life being tall.

The Miami Heat added Kyle Lowry, P.J. Tucker, and Markieff Morris this offseason, making them one of the NBA teams you'd least want to get into a brawl with. The Mavericks added Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown this offseason to help surround Luka Doncic with three and D on the wings, but with Porzingis often unable to play, it feels like the Mavs need one more piece to compete with the best in the west. So far, the Mavs have only been averaging 98.3 mpg, 3rd lowest in the league, which is concerning for a team that is based around a high-octane offense. They haven't been scoring because they haven't been hitting their shots, as they are last in the NBA in shooting percentage so far at 40.4%, down from 46.9% last season. Meanwhile, the Heat have the best defense in the NBA so far, giving up only 97 points per game, so the Mavericks better hope their shooting woes end tonight. The Heat have the momentum, but the Mavs are home and have Luka, who ya got?

Spread: Heat favored by 3 points

Over/under: 210