Charlotte great defense holding teams 3.3 points per game below normal average and 1.1 percent shooting below. Miami loves playing half-court in postseason. So this is a game in which the Heat can dominate Charlotte more on the court than the scoreboard will indicate. The 9.5 points is a lot in a low scoring game.

Heat can turn it up and will do what they need to do to survive. The Bobcats, led by guard Kemba Walker and center Al Jefferson, finished the season 43-39 and will have an emotional advantage against a Heat team that is looking to win 16 games. After back-to-back championships, there is no statement mode in Game 1 to the No. 8 seed.

The Heat enters the postseason with several concerns, including the cohesion of its rotation and the health of Dwyane Wade and Greg Oden.Wade P] likely rationed in opening round.