The Miami Heat invade the Paycom Center to do battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. Here’s a Heat vs Thunder Prediction.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have been in pretty good form as they’ve won seven of their last nine games overall, but they will be eager to bounce back in this one after coming up just short to the Mavericks in a 114-108 road loss last night. Terry Rozier led the team with 27 points and 11 assists, Duncan Robinson added 19 points on seven of 10 shooting while Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo each scored 14 points. As a team, the Heat shot 48 percent from the field and 17 of 38 from the 3-point line as they jumped out to a quick 15-point lead, but they didn’t play their usual brand of defense, allowing 37 points in the third quarter which cost them the game in the end. The Heat will face the Wizards after this game.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been in great shape as they’ve won eight of their last 10 games overall and they will be looking to stay hot after outlasting the Trail Blazers in a 128-120 road loss on Wednesday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 37 points and five assists on 13 of 23 shooting, Jalen Williams added 31 points, Chet Holmgren tallied 21 points with 14 rebounds and five assists while Josh Giddey chipped in with 19 points with seven assists. As a team, the Thunder shot 58 percent from the field and nine of 22 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 32 points in the first quarter and just kept their foot on the gas, outpacing the Trail Blazers to a 16-point lead, before they endured a late run from the Trail Blazers.
Oklahoma City Thunder Team Facts
- The Thunder have won each of their last 10 home games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last 15 night games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- Nine of the Thunder’s last 10 games at Paycom Center following a road win have gone UNDER the total points line.
Miami Heat Team Facts
- The Heat have lost each of their last six games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The road team has covered the spread in eight of the Heat’s last nine games.
- Each of the Heat’s last eight Friday games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Heat vs Thunder Prediction
The Heat are still depleted as they are missing Josh Richardson, Kevin Love and Tyler Herro once again, while the Thunder are coming into this one with a full squad to choose from. The Heat were on a great run before they got stopped in their tracks by the Mavericks last night, but it’s going to be tough to back up on zero days’ rest, so I’m leaning towards the in-form Thunder to maintain their momentum with a win and cover at home.