Heat's league-fastest pace meets Hornets' slower tempo in Charlotte

The Miami Heat (43-39), who played the league's fastest pace last season, visit the Charlotte Hornets (44-38) on Saturday, October 24, in a game that turns on whose tempo holds; tip-off is 6:00 PM ET.

The records and ratings are from last season, played with this season's rosters. Miami averaged 105.4 possessions, first in the league. Charlotte averaged 99.1, 24th.

Charlotte's offense is the sharper of the two. The Hornets had an offensive rating of 116.6, seventh in the league, and took 48.7% of their shots from three, second in the league. Miami's defense allowed an effective field goal percentage of 54.0, eighth best.

The glass gives Charlotte a second route: the Hornets grabbed 30.5% of their own misses, fourth in the league. Miami secured 74.9% of opponents' misses, eighth best, and gave up the fourth-fewest free throws per shot. The Heat also lost the ball on only 11.2% of their possessions, fourth lowest, which limits Charlotte's chances to run.

Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points on 62.4% shooting last season. Bam Adebayo pulled down 10 rebounds a game. For Charlotte, Brandon Miller scored 20.2 points a game and made 89.2% of his free throws.

Three Hornets rotation players are listed day-to-day, with Saturday as their expected return date: Kon Knueppel (31.4 minutes a game last season), Coby White (24.2) and Grant Williams (19). Kylan Boswell is out until Monday, November 2. Miami has no one on its report.

Both teams have played this season. Miami lost 128-111 to Detroit and 131-106 to Minnesota, both at home. Charlotte lost 128-81 to Atlanta at home and won 110-103 at Brooklyn.

Sportsbooks' prices give Miami a 58% chance to win and Charlotte 42%. Our projection, built from the players available, has it at 50% each.