The Wizards might be improving, with lots of contributors, including Kyle Kuzma scoring 25 in the win at Atlanta and Bilal Coulibaly scoring a career-high 27 in the return match win over Atlanta at Cap One. Jordan Poole is also scoring at a nice 22.5 ppg clip. Most around the league believe that Kuzma and Jonas Valanciunas, in particular, might be trade bait at the deadline, but as long as they remain in D.C., the Wiz can trade points on many nights. Also no shame in Washington's earlier losses to high-flying Cleveland and Boston. Meanwhile, Miami continues to look a low-variance team, with both Heat wins recorded by 8 points (vs. lesser Charlotte and Detroit). Play Wizards

This kid has major breakthrough potential, taking his game to another level, maybe from hanging out on the French Olympic team (he barely played but practiced a ton). He is showing more confidence driving to the goal and beating people off the dribble and his stud defense is carrying over to the offensive side. He'll be up for this game in Mexico City and has scored 17+ in 3 in a row, including against a stout Cavs D. Starting to get to the line more, too, which is where I think we'll pick up a bunch of points as season goes on. Improved perimeter shooting opening up more driving potential. Heat are not a clampdown defensive team anymore.

This is a real contrast of styles and if the Wizards can get off to a hot start and play with the kind of energy they have been, I don't think the Heat can keep up. Miami looks off to me, and not all that engaged and this is an easy team to look past. But Wiz play at breakneck pace and Miami's shooting is off and they want to walk the ball up the court. Does Jimmy Butler want to be there? Wiz are kinda dangerous right now, with a super young starting five that has been getting better each night.

This is too many points for a suspect Heat team, on the road, against the Wiz, who have been a pleasant surprise offensively and defensively. Bilal Coulibaly looks like a breakout star, the Wiz protect the basketball better than I thought they would and their young legs have been an asset so for. Heat have been disjointed and we've done well fading them. Miami 1-3 ATS. Wiz have scored 116+ in 3 in a row. Heat have 5th worst shooting % in NBA. I think Wiz - again top 2 in pace - can make this a track meet, and if they do I'm not sure Heat can keep up (2nd slowest pace). Heat's energy just seems off. Wizards feeding off being underdogs.