Thunder Heat Betting – Thunder Escape South Beach, Cool Off Heat
- What: NBA betting
- When: Wednesday, March 16th, 8:00 PM ET
- Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL
- Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
Online betting players still don’t know what to think of Miami, whose collection of talent is taking longer to gel than some expected, while Oklahoma City has been inconsistent at times this season. The two title contenders clash in South Beach on Wednesday night, and we’re betting on the Thunder to avenge a loss on their floor from late January.
(All numbers as of Friday, March 11th)
Why Bet On Oklahoma City
If there is one thing the Thunder know how to do, it’s score: Oklahoma City averages 104.8 points per game, second among playoff teams in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant (28.2 points, 7.3 rebounds) and Russell Westbrook (22.4 points, 8.5 assists) are one of the best one-two punches in the game, and either can take over in the late stages of a close contest. James Harden (11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds) is trying to step into the role left void by the departed Jeff Green after their big trade with Boston, and the Thunder hoped that Nate Robinson would also help with the scoring load, but he is out with a knee injury and only played one game in Oklahoma City.
Kendrick Perkins (7.3 points, 8.1 rebounds) was the big part of that deal with Boston, but he also has been on the injury list, although he did practice with the Thunder for the first time on Thursday, so he could be eligible for this game. Oklahoma City’s Achilles Heel all season has been defense, as they allow 102.4 points per game, and that’s not going to work in the playoffs.
Why Bet On Miami
The Heat snapped a five-game skid with a massive win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, and while it doesn’t solve all of their problems, it’s a boost for Miami’s confidence, which had surely taken a hit. LeBron James (26.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.1 assists) is putting up MVP-caliber numbers, while Dwyane Wade (25.6 points, 6.7 rebounds) and Chris Bosh (18.2 points, 8.1 rebounds) can be called upon when needed, although the Heat don’t get much else from the rest of the team. One thing they do very well is play defense, allowing 94.9 points per game, and it starts with the perimeter play of James and Wade, who are always in the passing lanes looking for an errant pass.
We all know the problem with Miami: who is going to take over when the game gets down to crunchtime? James has been carrying the load down the stretch for the Heat, but Wade should get some more late-game touches, and even Bosh is capable of hitting a big shot. Outside of their star trio, the only player worth trusting with the game on the line is Eddie House (6.6 points), as Mike Miller (6.1 points) has been disappointing since returning from injury.
How The Game Will Play Out
The Heat should be the home favorites in this tilt of title contenders, even though they’re 3-2 SU and 0-5 ATS in their last five in Miami against the Thunder, who are 16-16 ATS away from home while the Heat are 11-20-1 ATS at home. Miami won the first meeting of the season between these two by a score of 108-103 in Oklahoma City on January 30th, as their star trio combined for 75 points on the night, while Durant had 33 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City will be a tougher team to beat in the paint when Perkins comes back, so watch for his availability. Miami has proven that they can be beat at home, and the Thunder won’t be afraid to go into a tough environment, so we’re picking Oklahoma City to come away with a huge road win in your online betting book.
