The Brooklyn Nets (10-14) and the Miami Heat (11-13) square off at Mexico City Arena. Action begins at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017, and it can be seen on NBATV.
Miami Heat vs. Brooklyn Nets Odds Preview
The last time the Heat played, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 117-105. With 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting, Tyler Johnson was the top scorer from either team. San Antonio forced the Heat into a turnover percentage of 18.9 (above their season average of 14.7). Miami, meanwhile, was lights out from beyond the arc (18-34; 52.9 percent).
The Nets hope to maintain momentum after topping the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last game, 100-95. Brooklyn rallied around Caris LeVert, who was the teams high scorer with 21 points on 6-for-10 shooting. The Nets had a free throw rate of 0.237 (above their season average of 0.216) and held the Thunder to an effective field goal percentage of 0.423 (below their season average of 0.501).
It will be a matchup of contrasting paces as the up-tempo Nets will look to push the more half-court-oriented Heat. The Nets rank second in possessions per game while the Heat are 20th.
This is the first time these teams will battle this year. The Heat won all three matchups played against each other last season. In the last matchup, Miami won 108-99. Miami had a much better turnover percentage (12.1 vs. 19.1). Brooklyn, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (21-28; 75.0 percent).
Miami Heat vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Nets, ATS Winner – Nets, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Nets rank 11th in points in the paint per game (45.1) while the Heat rank 26th (40.6).
- Miami ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.5) while Brooklyn ranks 10th (21.6).
- Miami ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while Brooklyn ranks 25th (5.5).
- Brooklyn is 5-0 when they allow below 100 points, while Miami is 7-3.
- The Nets are 8-13 when they score more than 100 points, while the Heat are 8-5.
- The Heat rank first in three pointers allowed per game (24.4) while the Nets rank 11th (27.6).
- Brooklyn ranks sixth in rebounds per game (45.7) while Miami ranks 25th (41.5).
- The Nets rank 10th in fast break points per game (12.3) while the Heat rank 28th (7.4).
- The Nets average 16.3 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 20th in the league. The Heat rank 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.4).
- Brooklyn ranks 11th in second chance points per game (12.8) while Miami ranks 28th (9.7).
Bettings Trends:
- Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Miami is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
- The Nets have outscored opponents by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Brooklyn has lost by an average of 2.2 points.
- During their last five games, the Heat have scored an average of 97.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.6 points per game (8.4 above their season average).
