Golden State Warriors vs Miami Heat
PREVIEW: The Miami Heat will visit the Golden State Warriors on January 19, 2026 at Chase Center, looking to snap a three-game road losing streak. Golden State operates at the top of the league with high-frequency three-point shooting (50.2% of attempts, ranked 1st) and efficient free-throw conversion (82.1%, ranked 3rd), though their perimeter defense remains vulnerable at 26th in the league. Miami counters with a quick-tempo offensive system (ranked 1st) and a low turnover rate (ranked 4th), complemented by their ability to attack the rim frequently, though their defensive versatility around the perimeter ranks just 22nd. The Heat arrive after narrowly defeating Oklahoma City in a thriller, while the Warriors are riding momentum from a dominant performance against Charlotte, having won 11 of their last 15 games.
Historically, Miami holds the edge in this matchup, having triumphed in their last three meetings against Golden State. This contest carries extra intrigue as Jimmy Butler faces his former team for the first time this season with Stephen Curry present, while Andrew Wiggins makes a homecoming after being part of the trade that sent Butler to the Warriors. The Warriors have dominated Eastern Conference opponents at home with 12 wins in their last 13 games, while Miami has struggled on the road against winning teams, dropping seven of eight such contests. Interestingly, each of the last six meetings between these franchises have fallen short of the point total, a trend worth monitoring heading into this showdown.