April 5, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers (15) prepares to drive past Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson (9) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

With LeBron James and Dwyane Wade rooting from the bench, the Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 89-79 Friday. Mike Miller scored a season-high 26 points on seven three-pointers and Chris Bosh had 18 points and eight rebounds. The Heat shot 45% from the field and Miller had more three-point makes than the Bobcats.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist led a low-scoring Bobcats attack with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson combined for 5-31 from the field, in one of their worst offensive nights in some time. Despite Miami missing their superstar players, their team defense was at a high level all night. The Bobcats had trouble finding good shots in the offense, and there was no rhyme or reason at all. The team looked a lot different from their past homes, after winning five of their previous six in Time Warner Cable Arena.

Josh McRoberts was 4-12 from the field. He finished with eight points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Tyrus Thomas was in the rotation for the second straight game after not playing in over a month. Thomas had six points and two rebounds in 17 minutes. Bismack Biyombo had four points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes.

The Bobcats were able to cut Miami’s led to six with a little over two minutes left in the game. However, Miami scored seven of their final nine points at the free throw line to put the game out of reach. It’s impressive that Miami is able to convincingly beat teams without their star players and still play great defense. They also still had similar offensive philosphies without the players who break down defenses and create open shots.

Despite the loss, there isn’t a whole lot to take away from this game for the Bobcats. As mentioned, they have been playing very well at home recently, and most of it was due to their scoring attack. That scoring was led by Walker and Henderson, who both had one of their worst games of the season tonight. The only thing it re-emphasized was the Bobcats difficulty getting quality shots against top-notch defenses. The Heat did a great job of turning each possession into a difficult shot, or forcing Charlotte to put the ball on the floor and make a play. The Bobcats shot 32% from the field and 18% from three. They did get to the line 22 times and hit 90% of their free throws. However, you’ll still need a lot more to beat a quality team like Miami, even without their box-office players.

Mar 24, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Gerald Henderson (9) dribbles the ball past Miami Heat power forward Chris Andersen (11) in the first period at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats have found a great recipe for winning at home lately. After defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 88-83 Wednesday, the Bobcats have  now won five of their last six games in Time Warner Cable Arena. It’s just one less game than they’ve won on the road the entire season. Friday, the Bobcats will look to continue their winning ways at home as they host the defending champion Miami Heat.

Fans hoping to see a box-office performance in person from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will have to wait until next season. It was reported earlier today that both James and Wade are expected to sit for tomorrow’s game, as the team already has homecourt clinched throughout the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Jeffrey Taylor, Byron Mullens and Ramon Sessions all sat out Wednesday’s game against Philadelphia. There’s no word on whether any of them will return to the lineup Friday. It’s been speculated that Mullens and Sessions could miss the remainder of the season. The Bobcats re-signing Jannero Pargo for the remainder of the season would seem to be a insurance move for losing Sessions.

Mario Chalmers and Ray Allen will also be out of the lineup for the Heat, which will leave Miami shorthanded. The attention offensively will instead be placed on Chris Bosh. Bosh has quietly had a very good season for the Heat, and is coming off consecutive 23 point games. Bosh will be a tough guard with his inside, outside scoring ability, and Miami will still have three-point shooters roaming the perimeter around him.

For the Bobcats, their home play has been defined by their scoring. In four of their last six home games the Bobcats have scored 100 points or more. Defensively, they still haven’t been great, but the play of Gerald Henderson and Kemba Walker has been enough to pull out some victories. Henderson continues to be as confident as he’s ever been as a Bobcat. He’s getting to the line, scoring consistently and living up to the potential many thought he had.

While tomorrow’s game won’t be as entertaining with James and Wade on the bench, it gives the Bobcats a better chance of picking up a win against the Heat this season. Miami still isn’t a pushover with just Bosh leading the team in scoring, so the Bobcats are going to have to continue playing as they have recently in the Queen City to pick up another win at home.

Dec 26, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) drives to the basket as he is defended by Charlotte Bobcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) and guard Kemba walker (15) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports.

Wednesday night was a story of two halves for the Charlotte Bobcats.

The Miami Heat went up 17 at halftime, but the Bobcats outscored the Heat by four in the second half. The Bobcats late run wasn’t enough to upset the defending NBA Champions, as the Heat defeated them 105-92. The loss extends the Bobcats losing streak to 16 games, seven games away from tying last seasons streak.

Dwyane Wade finished with 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists, hitting big shot after big shot in the fourth quarter. After trailing by 19, the Bobcats cut the lead to two after a Gerald Henderson layup and free throw with seven minutes left.

Reigning MVP LeBron James put the Heat up by five after hitting a step back three in front of Hakim Warrick. The Heat would later go back up by 10, after Shane Battier drew a charging foul on an and-one layup from Bismack Biyombo that could have brought the Bobcats back within two.

Wade and Battier quickly followed up with big shots, and the Heat never looked back. The Bobcats never led during the game.

James finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and four steals, and wowed the Bobcats fans with some powerful dunks early in the game.

Chris Bosh, the Heat’s player to watch, had just 14 points and three rebounds in 30 minutes. Bosh had five fouls in the game and watched from the bench as the Heat closed the Bobcats out.

Kemba Walker was the Bobcats player to watch and had another all-star performance with 27 points, six rebounds and six assists. Walker did another great job of pushing the ball in transition and weaving through lanes to get to the basket. Ramon Sessions did the same and had 19 points and five assists off the bench.

Gerald Henderson returned to the lineup tonight, and had 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists on 5-19 shooting.

Hakim Warrick got the start at power forward for Byron Mullens, who is out indefinitely with an ankle sprain. Warrick had 18 points and nine rebounds in 38 minutes, and gave the Bobcats fans some highlight reel plays on the offensive end.

It was one of the better efforts from the Bobcats this season. The Bobcats still had trouble defending the three-point line, as the Heat shot over 50% from three, but Miami didn’t dismantle them offensively as other teams have been doing during this losing streak. The defense looked better at times, and the offense picked up in the second half with good decision making, particularly in transition. Despite the effort, it was another loss where the Bobcats gave up 100 or more, and team remains last in the league in opponents PPG.

The Bobcats will be back on the road Friday in their first trip to the Barclays Center where they’ll play the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets have lost nine of their last 12 games, and point guard Deron Williams sat today with a bruised wrist. It’s unknown whether he’ll return to the lineup Friday, but his potential absence could help the Bobcats.

Dec. 25, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (left) and shooting guard Dwyane Wade (center) and guard Mario Chalmers (right) during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Christmas is over, and it’s back to business for the Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats will take their 15-game losing streak back home to face the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat.

The Heat are coming off a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in a finals rematch Tuesday, and have the best record in the Eastern Conference. It’s always a show when the Miami Heat come to town, and Bobcats fans remember their close game against the Heat last season when Dwyane Wade hit a game winning shot to put the Bobcats away.

Miami this season has continued the strategy that helped them win an NBA Championship earlier this year, by playing smallball. In Coach Erik Spolestra’s “positionless” offense, the Heat push the tempo, load the floor with shooters, creating driving lanes and kicking out to shooters.

The Heat also play a lot of isolation ball, with some of the games best one-on-one scorers in the game. It’s the type of offense that has been killing the Bobcats lately, as they’re struggling to defend pick and rolls and get out to shooters.

Rebounding and defense have been the biggest struggles though for Miami. They rank last in the league in total rebounding, and are just 15th in opponents points per game. The Heat aren’t terrible though defensively, and are more than capable of getting stops and locking you down. Plus, there’s that one guy they have, LeBron James or something.

The Heat will be clear favorites on the road, going up against a young Bobcats team that’s starting to get hit by injuries. Byron Mullens will miss several weeks with a left ankle sprain. Ben Gordon seems like a gametime decision with soreness in his knee. Gerald Henderson has been nursing a right shin contusion, and is also a gametime decision. It could be a rough night for the Bobcats, who even without the injuries, are at a talent disadvantage. With that said, lets look at the players to watch for tomorrow:

• Chris Bosh, Miami Heat: Entering today’s game against Oklahoma City, Bosh was averaging just 14.7ppg and 7.1 rebounds in December. To his credit, Bosh is shooting over 50% from the field this month too. Bosh is having another great season in Miami, but could be due for a big offensive night with a Bobcats frontcourt that’s lacking on both sides of the floor. I’d expect a lot of Bismack Biyombo on Bosh tomorrow, and it will be a tough task for Biyombo. Bosh can spread the floor out to the three-point line, and is also capable of facing up and going to the rim. While LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are the bigger names, Bosh could certainly get his tomorrow night.
• Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats: What else is new? Kemba’s been the Bobcats best player this season, and is the most reliable offensive threat going up against the Heat. With injuries in the frontcourt and backcourt, Walker having a big night is a given for this team to have a puncher’s chance at winning. Walker in his last five games is averaging 22.2ppg, 6ast while shooting 46% from the field and 41% from three. Walker is the heart of the Bobcats league-leading perimeter scoring, and along with Ramon Sessions, they’re going to have to a tough task tomorrow.

Nov 29, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Before the basketball even was launched into the air at mid-court in Miami Thursday night, David Stern had already issued a statement about the Spurs leaving their four best players at home for the game.

“I apologize to all NBA fans. This was an unacceptable decision by the San Antonio Spurs and substantial sanctions will be forthcoming,” it read.

Almost immediately, a rush of support poured forth from every corner of the basketball world for Greg Popovich and the Spurs.

Popovich, after all, has done this before. Popovich, after all, knows how to win championships. Popovich, after all, almost coached a bunch of scrubs to a win over the Miami Heat (which I think says more about Erik Spoelstra than Popovich, but that’s for another time and place).

Please.

It’s not like Popovich only rested Tim Duncan OR Tony Parker OR Manu Ginobli OR any combination of just two of them. He rested all of them (and Danny Green), and didn’t even bring them to Miami.

And it’s not like David Stern has never done this before. He did it to the Lakers back in the 80s. He’s got a business to protect (more on that later).

Get off your “basketball strategy” “integrity of the game” “coaching decision” high ground and remember what you were saying a few months ago when last year’s lockout shortened season was coming to a close.

“TEH BOBCATS R TANKING! WE DON LKE THIS! WHY THIS ALLOWD BY MEAN OLD STENR! THEY SHULD NO BE ALLOWD DO THIS!”

Remember that?

I do.

I even remember ESPN’s True Hoop bloggers (who I love and read every other day… most of the time) trying to come up with ways to eliminate tanking last year.

What the Spurs did last night and a few times last year and what the Bobcats are perceived to have done all of last year are really no different. Sucking in the short term to get better in the long term. For the ‘Cats that meant fielding an awful team to get draft picks which landed them Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Jeffrey Taylor, who’ve been pretty good so far in just 14 games this year. For the Spurs that meant resting their best players to ensure their health for the playoff push.

The only problem is no one watched the Bobcats last year.

People want to watch the Spurs’ Big Three. They won’t be able to see Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili much longer.

The NBA is a business, and if Greg Popovich and all of his supporters don’t like that, they should get as far away from pro sports in America as possible.

Networks like TNT and ESPN pay big (like, unfathomable to me and you) money to showcase games like this featuring the best players in the league.

Speaking of which, I just came up with the perfect sanction for the Spurs.

David Stern should announce that the Spurs will no longer be broadcast on anything but local television the rest of the year. Or, he should at least threaten the team with that sanction over a nice phone call with San Antonio’s upper management.

I have a feeling Peter Holt (owner of the Spurs) wouldn’t like that very much and might have a few words with Popovich about resting all of his best players at the same time ever again.

Oh. And if the the Spurs won the game? I’d still feel the same way! I still had to watch Boris Diaw, Tiago Splitter, someone named Nando de Colo and a bunch of people I’ve only ever heard of because I looked up the Spurs roster after I found out Duncan, Ginobili and Parker weren’t playing.

Actually, I didn’t have to watch it. There are plenty of other shows to watch while NBA games are being played without players I want to watch. Like Ancient Aliens, which while the Spurs game was on, explained how Bigfoot could be an extraterrestrial being.

Much more compelling TV than watching Gary Neal go 7-20 from the floor.

Oct 23, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) drives between Charlotte Bobcats point guard Cory Higgins (11) and point guard Kemba Walker (15) in the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday, I had a chance to catch the Miami Heat play the Charlotte Bobcats at PNC Arena on the campus of North Carolina State University. Let me start off by saying this. The traffic was horrible! I did not arrive at the game until halftime. I was delighted to see that the Bobcats are moving in the right direction.

After this game, I feel as though Mike Dunlap can build around this core: Ramon Sessions, Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bismayck Byombo, Dajuan Summers, Jeffery Taylor, Reggie Williams, and Gerald Henderson. I did not mention Ben Gordon because he didn’t play last night; however, he is a part of the core as well. The problem with this core is that there is not a center in this rotation. The Bobcat’s best option at the center position is Bismayck Byombo, who is 6’9″ 240 lbs.

The point guard position is still up for grabs, in my opinion. I feel as though the offense runs more smoothly through Ramon Sessions. Sessions is also a better shooter. However, Kemba Walker penetrates the defense better. Charlotte could use Kemba at the shooting guard position on the second team to backup Ben Gordon, however.

When it comes to shooting, the Bobcats have several shooters in Gordon, Williams, and Sessions. Reggie Williams showed his range last night. Williams hit a few 3s last night from deep. He should see some considerable playing time on the second team. Jeffery Taylor played a lot during the first half. From what I heard (since I missed the first half), he performed quite well.

On the defensive side, Bismayck had a nice block on a dunk. He also did a decent job defending in the post. Charlotte needs a center, who can command the post. Right now, the Bobcats are lacking this.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist showed that he is a nice slasher, and not scared of playing against big name stars like LeBron James. All in all, the Bobcats are moving into the right direction.

April 13, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Bismack Biyombo (0) grabs a rebound against Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh (1) in the third quarter at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Tuesday night the Charlotte Bobcats will face the Miami Heat in a preseason matchup.  This game will be a measuring stick for how competitive the team can be this year. If the Bobcats can keep the game competitive, it will give the fans in Charlotte some hope that this team has improved during the offseason.

However, its always a challenge to face off against the “Big 3″.  Coming off a championship, and with the addition of Ray Allen competing with the Heat becomes an even bigger challenge this season.

Lebron James is leading the Heat in scoring this preseason with 13.5 ppg, and is looking to win MVP for the 4th time this upcoming season.  James is always a threat to take over a game, and can control almost every facet of the game when he gets going.  The Bobcats must prevent James from getting into the flow of the game if they hope to win.

The Bobcats will also need to continue to force turnovers and score easy buckets if they hope to keep the game close tomorrow. Secondly, the Bobcats need to continue to limit there own turnovers. Lastly, the team just needs to continue to embrace coach Mike Dunlap’s style by playing hard nosed defense and getting to the charity stripe.Every time the Heat come to Charlotte its a big deal, even if it is a preseason game. The arena will be buzzing before tip off, and the Bobcats need to show there fans that this season they can compete with anyone in the league.

October 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) against the New Orleans Hornets during the second half of a preseason game at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets defeated the Bobcats 97-82. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

On October 23rd, 2012, the Miami Heat and Charlotte Bobcats will have an exhibition game at the PNC Arena located in Raleigh, North Carolina. I am looking forward to checking out the 2012 NBA World Champion Miami Heat. With their recent acquisitions in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, who were former teammates with the Seattle Supersonics, I expect for the Heat to repeat.

Nevermind them, though. In my backyward literally, I get to catch a glimpse of the 2013 Charlotte Bobcats. I will have a column on Wednesday, in regards to grading how the Bobcats performed against the Heat. I really want to see Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. No one really knows how talented this young man is. Is he going to be another Shawn Marion or Gerald Wallace? Who knows. I say this because his game is VERY similar to theirs. He may be the best power forward on this team, although his position is small forward.

I also am excited to see Ben Gordon. Last time I watched Ben play in person, he was a member of the 2004 Connecticut Huskies basketball team that went on to win the national championship against Georgia Tech. While I was living in Buffalo, New York, I had the opportunity to watch UCONN against Vermont during the NCAA Tournament. Ben Gordon has always been a beast on the basketball court. His stint with Detroit did not work out because they did not know how to use him. Oh well, too bad for them. This guy still has a lot of basketball left him. He can score and create his own. In addition, he is also a decent defender.

Last but not least, I want to see how well Ramon Sessions. I don’t care if he is the starter or 6th man. In my eyes, he is the best point guard on the Bobcats roster. His versatility at both guard positions will be instrumental in the Bobcats’ push to make the playoffs.

April 13, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Bismack Biyombo (0) grabs a rebound against Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh (1) in the third quarter at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Don’t let the headline fool you. The Charlotte Bobcats do not matchup with the Miami Heat at all.

But this is the start of a short series, where Roberto Gato will preview how well (or not) the Bobcats matchup with each team in their division. Since the Heat are the best in the Southeast, they just get the distinction of being first in the series.

The Bobcats aren’t better at any position than the Heat, unless they back away from their promise to use Chris Bosh at center more often. I don’t care what anyone says, Brendan Haywood is better than any true center Miami can throw out there.

Ramon Sessions matches up with Mario Chalmers pretty well. But, Kemba Walker should be the Bobcats PG this year, and he’ll see more time running with Chalmers than Sessions.

Gerald Henderson can hold Dwayne Wade for minimal stretches of games, and it’ll be fun to watch Michael Kidd-Gilchrist go full throttle at LeBron James, but there’s no way the Heat lose that battle.

Bosh vs anyone the Bobcats have at power forward will be a sad, sad thing to watch. Hell, Bosh plays center, I don’t have faith in any Bobcats PF to hold his own against Udonis Haslem.

The Bobcats really did almost beat last years World Champions in the early goings of the lockout shortened season, but don’t expect Charlotte to come close this year.