Heat – Rockets

Miami Heat Houston Rockets prediction

The Miami Heat will host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night in the NBA.

The Heat (13-16, 5-9 home) are having a very disappointing season so far, being out of the playoff picture in the weak Eastern Conference. Part of their bad record is related to injuries, as Miami has missed Waiters all season, and Dragic was on and off the court – and now he is expected to miss at least two months. Despite this, the Heat did manage to win their last games, both on the road against solid opponents (Grizzlies and Pelicans).

The Rockets (16-14, 7-9 away) seem to finally be back to their best. After struggling big time in the beginning of the season, last year`s Western Conference finalists have now won 5 games in a row – and all were tough games against playoff level teams. Last time out, the Rockets defeated the Wizards by 18 points last night.

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Team news: Besides Dragic and Waiters, Miami might also miss Winslow (listed as doubtful) for this game. Tyler Johnson has problems as well, missing practice Wednesday due to a migraine, but he is expected to play. The Rockets will probably miss Ennis and Nene.

Miami did well to win the last couple of games without Dragic, but this short burst of good form is unlikely to continue for much longer. The Heat are clearly having problems this year, now they miss arguably their best player, and might miss three starters tonight if Winslow will be out as well (he`s more likely to miss out than to play).

The Heat will face a red hot, hungry opponent in the form of the Rockets, who are playing with great intensity and are beginning to look like the team which was one game away from knocking out the Warriors last season.

The Rockets are back to back (and play the 3rd game in 4 nights), and that is never a positive thing coming into a match. But the Rockets were exceptional in back to backs last season, and their game last night was rather one sided – with Harden and Paul not having to play huge minutes. In fact, Chris Paul only played 28 minutes. With this in mind, one would expect them to be less affected than normal in this situation.

It`s also worth noting that home court advantage has meant nothing to the Heat this season, and not necessarily because of the schedule, as they lost many games they should have won in Miami. They have a dreadful 5-9 home record and are one of only three teams to be better away than at home.

My tip will be the Rockets to win straight up. I will dodge the handicap as I don`t expect a blowout, and odds for the simple win are solid. Prediction: Miami Heat – Houston Rockets 104 – 111.

Pick: Rockets
Odds: 1.67 @ Betfair Sportsbook
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.36
Event date: 21 December

About Rostick

Born in '88. Running betting tips websites since 2007. Launched Betdistrict in 2013. Worked as a bookie for a year to spy on the other side. Rugby Union and NBA expert. Editor info & statistics.

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