NBA playoffs 2016, Heat vs. Hornets: Time, TV schedule and live stream

The Heat could get a commanding 3-0 lead with a win in Charlotte.

Apr 23, 2016, 2:00 PM UTC

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Heat vs. Hornets was supposed to be one of the most even series in the first round. After all, the two teams finished with the same record and split their season series. So far, however, Miami has completed dominated and gotten off to a 2-0 start. Charlotte needs to win at home to avoid being on the brink of elimination much sooner than anyone expected.

Hassan Whiteside has controlled the paint while Dwyane Wade has look rejuvenated for the Heat. That one-two punch, along with the shooting the role players provide, has been enough for Miami to score at a very high rate against a typically good Charlotte defense. The Hornets have looked powerless to stop anyone and their fear of Whiteside as a dive man has gotten them out of position to contest outside looks. That needs to change or they will be in trouble on Saturday.

Nicolas Batum will miss Game 3 with an ankle injury, so improving on defense won't be Charlotte's only concern. Their offense could suffer greatly from the absence of their best playmaker. Jeremy Lin or Jeremy Lamb will likely get the nod as starters but neither brings the versatility Batum provides. It will be interesting to see if Steve Clifford decides to also start Al Jefferson, who did work on Whiteside in the post in Game 2, or will stick to Tyler Zeller as his center.

A loss at home on Saturday would be a devastating blow for an already hurting Hornets squad. No matter who plays, they need to be sharper and more energetic than they have been so far. In front of them is a veteran Heat team that will pounce if they smell blood, so Charlotte will have to come out strong and take control of the game early on. Their season depends on it.

Miami doesn’t have as much urgency going into Game 3 but giving an opponent hope is not something they want to do. A win on all but guarantees them a place in the second round, and they know it. It’s the biggest night of the season for both teams and they will have to play like it.