PREVIEW: The Miami Heat, sitting at 4-4, welcome the Charlotte Hornets at 3-5 to Kaseya Center on Friday night in a Southeast Division matchup that pits two teams searching for consistency against one another. Miami averages 122.4 points per game while holding opponents to 117.6 , establishing themselves as the more efficient squad heading into this contest. The Heat rank first in pace and second in post-up frequency, creating a fast-moving system that generates scoring opportunities in transition and the paint . However, Miami's defense allows the 26th-most three-point attempts in the league at a 46.2 percent rate , a vulnerability the explosive Hornets could potentially exploit. Charlotte scores 120.4 points per game and allows the same amount , indicating a team still figuring out its identity on both ends of the floor. The Hornets feature high spacing on offense and take threes at a 45.1 percent clip, the eighth-highest in the league, while struggling with a 26th-ranked turnover rate that puts them at a disadvantage in execution. Miami has won four of the last five head-to-head meetings between these division rivals , establishing clear momentum in the series. The Heat's stout interior defense, ranking third in shots allowed at the rim, will be critical against a Charlotte squad that loves spacing and perimeter shooting as these teams battle for a crucial divisional victory.