The Brooklyn Nets (10-14) square off with the Miami Heat (11-13) at Mexico City Arena. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017, and will air on NBATV.
Miami Heat vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Prediction
In the Heat’s last outing, they were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs, 117-105. San Antonio’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Miami. The Spurs had a rate of 10.6 (better than their season average of 13.0), while the Heat posted a mark of 18.9 (above their season average of 14.7). Tyler Johnson was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting.
The Nets were victorious over the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last game, 100-95. One of Brooklyn’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 30 trips to the line, while Oklahoma City went 23 times. Caris LeVert was Brooklyn’s leading scorer with 21 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
It will be a showdown of opposite tempos as the fast-breaking Nets will look to push the more half-court-oriented Heat. The Nets rank second in possessions per game while the Heat are 20th.
After the Heat won all three meetings against the Nets last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Miami won 108-99. Miami had a much better turnover percentage (12.1 vs. 19.1). Brooklyn, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (21-28; 75.0 percent).
Miami Heat vs. Brooklyn Nets ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nets, ATS Winner – Nets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Brooklyn is 5-0 and Miami is 7-3.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Heat are 8-5 and the Nets are 8-13.
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).
Brooklyn ranks 11th in second chance points per game (12.8) while Miami ranks 28th (9.7).
The Nets rank 11th in points in the paint per game (45.1) while the Heat rank 26th (40.6).
Miami ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while Brooklyn ranks 25th (5.5).
The Heat rank first in three pointers allowed per game (24.4) while the Nets rank 11th (27.6).
Miami ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.5) while Brooklyn ranks 10th (21.6).
The Nets rank 20th in points off turnovers per game (16.3) while the Heat rank 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Miami is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Heat’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 15.0, up from 4.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Nets have scored an average of 104.8 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 104.0 points per game (7.5 below their season average).
