Junior (Boca Raton, Florida)

Hey Mike. I have been wondering lately why is Dexter Pittman getting a lot more minutes than Eddy Curry? Have the heat given up on him? Is Curry injured?

Michael Wallace

  (2:03 PM)

Nah, Curry isn't injured. He's just not the flavor of the month right now for the Heat. Erik Spoelstra has decided to give Dexter the playing time, perhaps to market him. Or maybe, Dexter is simply out-working Curry in practice. At the end of the day, I think Curry will get a shot at a minor role in games.

Bryan (Springdale, AR)

Do the Heat fear the Mavericks?

Michael Wallace

  (2:04 PM)

Bucks, maybe. But not the Mavericks. Just kidding on the Bucks part, I think. We'll see after the teams meet tonight, with the Heat now 0-2 against Milwaukee.

Chris (Fort Lauderdale)

Should the Magic be optimistic that they can get a real good haul for Howard and still be able to stay competitive, ala Utah and Denver?

Michael Wallace

  (2:07 PM)

The case studies are there for Orlando. Howard is a more dominant player than either Derron Williams or Carmelo Anthony, so on the surface, you'd think the Magic would stand more to gain than even Denver and Utah got in return. But the Magic just don't seem to have the same kind of leverage. And with some of the regret New York has by letting too much get away for Carmelo, it might be difficult for the Magic to get those same kind of pieces. That said, there are deals to be made that would return enough parts to keep Orlando in solid playoff contention for years to come.

sam (miami)

if you could trade a healthy wade for a healthy rose for THIS season only, would you do it?

Michael Wallace

  (2:08 PM)

No. Rose is spectacular. But there is something to be said about a healthy Wade and the experience he's gained in a championship situation. I'd take a healthy Wade over Rose for one season.

Mike (Miami)

Any chance for Wade being DPOY ?

Michael Wallace

  (2:09 PM)

Not as long as Dwight Howard is racking up the rebounds the way he is. And depending on how the Clippers finish out, I'm sure DeAndre Jordan might get a nod as well.

Andy (Miami)

Yo Mike, Michael Wilbon said that the Heat could go 58-8 this year. With them being 21-7 with 38 games to go, what's a more realistic prediction for a final record? 48-50 wins looks more like it.

Michael Wallace

  (2:11 PM)

I've said 50-16 from Day 1. And I'm sticking to that. It's just hard to read how things will play out from an injury standpoint, so guessing a team's record is nothing more than guesswork. Even for those of us who'd like to consider ourselves insiders who cover the league regularly.

stephan (oakland)

do you see the Warriors being active around the trade deadline?

Michael Wallace

  (2:12 PM)

If they aren't active, they should be. It's time Monta Ellis moved on. Not that Ellis and Curry haven't figured out a way to be mutually productive, but if the Warriors want to take the next step, it'll require them to bring in a player or two that could fill gaps, particularly at center and for a versatile wing scorer with decent size.

OMARVLS (NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA)

Michael, if Miami plays New York in the playoffs either 1/8 or 2/7 will Miami get there revenge for 1999 or will it be an upset and the end of the Big Three in Miami

Michael Wallace

  (2:14 PM)

That's an easy one. You'd have to favor Miami heavily in that one. The Knicks in 1999 were never supposed to be an eighth seed. Several factors, including injuries, contributed to that. But that same dynamic will exist in these playoffs, in both the East and the West. I wouldn't be absolutely stunned to see No. 7 beat a No. 2, or even a No. 8 stun a No. 1.

indianapolis indiana [via mobile]

Whats up SN, i am a huge chicago bulls fan. Do you think we should be worried about D Rose and his back spasms

Michael Wallace

  (2:15 PM)

No. Derrick will be fine. He is having stretch of nagging injuries. But these all seem to be minor in nature and nothing to threaten his status for the stretch run of the season. He needs to rest to get as healthy as possible right now, even if it costs the Bulls a couple of games along the way.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who is the Oldest Basketball player on the 2011-2012 Miami Heat Roster?

Michael Wallace

  (2:16 PM)

That's easy. Juwan Howard, who at 39, is also the second-oldest player in the league behind Grant Hill, I believe.

KG (Boston)

You ever been in a bar fight, Mike?

Michael Wallace

  (2:17 PM)

In a fight? Yeah. In a bar? Yeah. In a bar fight? Never.

Brian (North Miami Beach)

hello mike,any status on joel przybilla coming to the heat and if so what impact might he have on the floor ?the heat are playing a more faster pace this season than last season but do you feel they have lost a bit of their identity by not giving their defense a bit more priority ?do you think their has been a bit of improvement on heat playing against the zone since this will be a serious issue in the finals as teams will throw it at them ?a couple weeks back their was a report that King James was a bit unhappy with the discipline from riley do you feel this has any bit of truth to it since shaq had similar issues with riley ?Mike thanks for the HEAT support.

Michael Wallace

  (2:19 PM)

Joel appears to be a backburner issue at this point, especially now that Miami has elected to bring back Mickell Gladness on a 10-day contract. So let's not get too carried away with the cry for Przybilla. The Heat already have Eddy Curry on the roster as the scholarship project player.

Jorge (Miami)

Chalmers shuts down jennings tonight. Easy win for the Heat? or are the problems deeper against Mil.?

Michael Wallace

  (2:20 PM)

The problems go deeper than that. It starts with the Heat's inability to run consistently or get into their preferred transition pace against Milwaukee. It also has a lot to do with the Bucks toughness and ability to knock down three-pointers. Certainly, if Chalmers can slow Brandon, that goes a very long way in nipping this thing in the Buck.

Mike (toronto)

Do you think any stars will be traded this season before the trade deadline

Michael Wallace

  (2:22 PM)

Great question. I still think Dwight will be dealt. I think Pau might be dealt. And I believe there will be a strong push to move Monta Ellis in Golden State. I could also see Washington getting rid of one of their young bigs (Blatche/McGee), although they aren't stars. I don't think Nash is going anywhere

CWalk (UK)

Has there been any world on trades or pickups for the Heat? Are they even needed?

Michael Wallace

  (2:24 PM)

Pat Riley is always looking for upgrades. The Heat need youth and athleticism on the front line. If they can get a young but proven power forward/center, I think they jump at the chance to grab him. The question is what is Miami willing to give up. You can't get much in return unless you float Chris Bosh's name out there. I don't believe Miami is committed to doing that just yet.

mk (albuquerque)

what do you think of the idea that the magic should keep howard and bet on the idea that when pusch comes to shove he won't turn down opportunity to make significantly more money in orlando?

Michael Wallace

  (2:25 PM)

I wouldn't take that gamble if I'm Orlando. Dwight is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, so he could easily make up that extra $25-30 million in a major-market endorsement. Orlando better get the best deal they can get for Howard, unless he straight up tells them he's staying. And even then, I wouldn't necessarily trust it completely.

jeff (florida)

How worried should the Heat be about potential first round match up against Knicks with Amare, Carmelo, (potentially) JR Smith, Tyson, (the overrated) Lin, possibly Baron Davis?

Michael Wallace

  (2:27 PM)

That's banking on a lot going right for the Knicks. A committed and focused Carmelo gives the Knicks a player who can score at will against Miami and keep his team in those games. Tyson's defense has already proved to be impactful against the Heat. So it would be very interesting. Very. But I don't believe the Knicks can take four of seven against Miami. I just don't.

L.B.J. (Flo)

Will Melo and Amare end Lin career tomorrow in Toronto?

Michael Wallace

  (2:29 PM)

Nope. Lin-Sanity is here to stay. Amare, if he's smart, should embrace Lin's impact and run the floor to get easy looks and dunks in the paint. Carmelo should be a more efficient catch-and-shoot threat if he learns to respect Lin's ability to create and play off him. There's a good chance this can work very well in New York, from that standpoint.

marcus hart (albany louisiana)

Yo mike even tho the heat look good shouldnt they still b looking for a center?? i say chris kaman man. he's still balling for da hornets!!

Michael Wallace

  (2:30 PM)

There's always been Heat interest in Kaman, but just never a legitimate avenue by which to get him. The Heat is hoping against hope that New Orleans can't find a suitable deal and would be willing to release him. But that's not likely, considering the shortage of productive centers in this league.

Landmanis (Roja)

I think the Heat will finish with the best record at 56-10 because Rose and Bulls are fading/Thunder will lose more games to the likes of Kings. Agree with me?

Michael Wallace

  (2:31 PM)

Not sure about that. But you seem very certain. Take your chances in Vegas with that logic. If you win, make sure you remember I told you that you were right.

Esqibo (Chattanooga, TN)

Coach Spo is underrated, don't you think so?

Michael Wallace

  (2:32 PM)

Underrated? Not really. Under-appreciated at times? Absolutely.

Tanner (Michigan) [via mobile]

Should the Heat break up the Big 3?

Michael Wallace

  (2:32 PM)

No.

mike d from gary indiana [via mobile]

is it just me or is boozer the laziest? How many times did have we seen him either get beat down the court, let opponents slip baseline or down the lane with little or no defense from him { the 4 } or get a weak layup attempt blocked when he clearly should have went up stronger. What are your thoughts on this? That could be the only crack in the chicago bulls armor.

Michael Wallace

  (2:35 PM)

I totally agree. The move to get Boozer is already one Chicago has at least some regrets about. They'll never say it. But they'll unload him in a heartbeat if they could. It might require taking on another bloated contract a team regrets, perhaps something along the lines of, say, Joe Johnson. You can't pay Boozer marquee money and get the kind of production we've seen him provide in key spots.

RiseUp2012 [via mobile]

Hawks make it past first round of playoffs this year?

Michael Wallace

  (2:36 PM)

If you asked me that before last night's laugher against Miami, I'd say most definitely. But the Hawks still have those tendencies to be pigeons. Not as often as they used to before this season, but some of that is still in them.

Zac Ohio [via mobile]

Will the bulls make a trade before deadline?

Michael Wallace

  (2:37 PM)

Unless there's a miracle and they can unload Boozer, I don't see it happening. They won't panic, and they're certainly not desperate.

Andrew Markopoulos (Greece)

Which upper echelon team from either Conference should we expect to make a move via trade,to boost the rest of their season?

Michael Wallace

  (2:38 PM)

I can see the Lakers doing something with Pau Gasol. I can also see Orlando finally giving in and moving Howard.

OMARVLS (NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA)

Micheal, We know Dexter Pittman will never be a homeless D.Howard but can he at least be a poor man's Kendrik Perkins?

Michael Wallace

  (2:39 PM)

If you mean by getting dunked on viciously, shuttering his twitter account and blaming LeBron? Maybe.

Garrett (Jersey)

Knicks fan here if Jermey Lin keeps this up you think he gets MVP

Michael Wallace

  (2:40 PM)

Ok. This is where Lin-Sanity borders on criminal minded.

saleem (boise)

do you think that the Heat are going to win the Championship\

Michael Wallace

  (2:41 PM)

Yes. I think this is their year. I've said all along that they didn't necessarily have to win one in Year 1, but they needed to get a championship within the first two seasons of this experiment in order for it to be considered a major on-court success from the start.

tony (IA)

What % would you give LeBron on winning the MVP?

Michael Wallace

  (2:42 PM)

At this rate, I'd give him 60-40 split over Kevin Durant. Maybe even 70-30.

Bill (Orlando)

So Lopez, Brooks, Okur, 1r pick, fut 1r pick, $3M x Howard, Turk is doable? or what else is needed?

Michael Wallace

  (2:43 PM)

A refund of some sort to Orlando season-ticket holders. Because is there anyone coming from Jersey in that deal you'd pay premium prices to see?

Ed (Miami, Fl)

Do you think Wade should be the point guard in last 5 min of games rather then James? With James at point it takes him away from post play, and why don't Heat run more pick/rolls with Wade on point playing off of James?

Michael Wallace

  (2:44 PM)

Not necessarily. I like this team better when LeBron is aggressive and facilitating with the ball in his hands. Magic Johnson ran the point from the post-up spot for years. It can be done. LeBron has shown flashes.

vinnie (enfield,ct)

What can the Lakers get for pau before the deadline

Michael Wallace

  (2:46 PM)

Might sound crazy, but let it marinate on you for a minute. Josh Smith.

Josh (Chicago)

If you owned the Lakers, would you trade Gasol for Scola and Lowry? Is the drop off from Gasol to Scola worth getting a solid point guard for?

Michael Wallace

  (2:47 PM)

Yes, I'd make that deal if I'm the Lakers. Not so sure If I'm Houston, though.

Ray (California)

I think the best possible Finals would be Heat/Thunder and Heat/Spurs. The former because of the stars clashing and the latter because LeBron would revenge the 0-4 loss in 07Finals. Dont you think so?

Michael Wallace

  (2:48 PM)

There's still something about a Heat-Lakers Finals that would be very, very, very intriguing to me. If that's a consolation for not getting Heat-Thunder, so be it.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Chances we see Chauncey Bilups back on the court...ever?

Michael Wallace

  (2:49 PM)

All the odds say bet against it. But Chauncey's got an amazing heart and will. I could see him getting back just to play one last season and finish the job with the Clippers in some capacity.

Lamar (Fresno)

Fact or Fiction. Norris Cole will positively impact the Miami Heat in the 2012 playoffs.

Michael Wallace

  (2:50 PM)

Didn't I play this earlier today at Heat Index? But to answer your question. Fact. Simply because he's fearless and doesn't know any better.

Brad (Toronto)

If the Pacers got Chris Kaman at the deadline for a pick, how do you like their chances of making a playoff run? To me, they're the most balanced team in the NBA right now. It seems backup center is their only weakness right now.

Michael Wallace

  (2:51 PM)

I already absolutely love their chances. If they pull that off without having to give up West (obviously) or Hibbert, you're talking about them having one of the deepest and most productive front lines in the game.

Esqibo (Chattanooga, TN)

Who is the most valuable player on the Heat roster right now?

Michael Wallace

  (2:51 PM)

LeBron James.

MoPETE (N Hollywood, CA)

Kurt Thomas is actually the NBA's oldest player by one day over Grant Hill, and Juwan Howard is 3rd.

Michael Wallace

  (2:52 PM)

Thanks. If that's the case, I stand corrected.

Doug (Chicago)

Is the Nash comment because he is a short term rental and won't return the perceived value to the Suns?

Michael Wallace

  (2:53 PM)

No. It's because, from everything that's come out of Phoenix, he hasn't asked to be traded and has said he wants to stay there. That could change. But I don't see them trying to push him out if he doesn't really want to go.

Michael (Ohio)

If you had to pick your 'ideal' stats for the Heat big three, what would they be? Seems like LBJ should be the primary facilitator, Wade and Bosh should both get around 23pts. which leaves points and possessions for Chalmers, Miller and Battier.

Michael Wallace

  (2:55 PM)

Just off the top of my head? I'd go LeBron: 22pts, 9 assits, 8 rebounds. Wade: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 block. Bosh 17 pts. 13 rebounds.

Mo (Eastern Conforence)

Hey Michael, maybe you can help settle a debate: If you're starting a team today, would you rather have Anderson Verejao or Joakim Noah?

Michael Wallace

  (2:56 PM)

Noah. He's younger and longer, yet just as tough. Both are offensively limited, but make up for it with their activity around the basket. But Noah's my pick.

Jon (NY)

Where were you last week in this chat?

Michael Wallace

  (2:58 PM)

Snowed in up in the Allegheny Mountains, without internet. Sorry.

Osi (Laurel, Maryland)

Do you think Wade will ever be on the NBA's All Defensive First team while Kobe is still playing?

Michael Wallace

  (2:58 PM)

Yes, this could be that year - if Wade stays healthy.

Kevin (Iowa)

Have Miami's past issues at PG been cured by Rio/Cole? I'm not saying they can't improve at that position, but I don't think anyone considers PG one of Miami's weaknesses in anymore

Michael Wallace

  (2:59 PM)

Mario and Norris have been solid - for what this team needs from that position. The situation isn't as dire as it once appeared entering the season. But there's still a long way to go. Center/rebounding/consistency is/are the lone championship-level concern(s) at this point.

Gregg (Guatemala)

praying that if we make it to the Finals the Lakers are there to meet us, we would crush them and the myth of Kobe in the clutch might be debunked, how do you think that finals plays out?

Abraham L. (California)

I think we need to make a few changes to the All star game. First, make a new contest called "I bet you cant beat me" where the fans vote 5 duels fro both WEST/EAST who then play one on one until 11 points and so on until the two best meet in the Final round. Secondly, reduce the shot clock to 14 seconds so the game gets more competative. Wouldnt you watch? I said it first.

Tesh (Brooklyn, NY)

Who do you think got snubbed as far as reserves for all star 2012?

Michael Wallace

  (3:01 PM)

Monta Ellis in the West. Josh Smith in the East.

Michael Wallace

  (3:04 PM)

Thanks for joining me this week. Let's do it again next week. Same day, same time. You guys have been great. Take care. Peace