The Brooklyn Nets have had the Miami Heat’s number lately, winning each of the teams’ three match ups this season. On Tuesday, the last regular season game between the two tips off with both pride and playoff positioning on the line.
We have all the details you need to bet on what is one of the showcase games of this week’s NBA schedule.
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Brooklyn Nets vs. Miami Heat Betting Preview
When: Tuesday, April 8, 2014, 8:00PM EST
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Betting on the Brooklyn Nets
[sc:NBA240banner ]Brooklyn (42-34) has been one of the best teams in the NBA lately, going 7-3 in its last 10 games while working their way into the No. 5 seed in the East. They’ve done this despite the absence of Kevin Garnett (6.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG), who missed 19 games before returning for his team’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Defense has been a huge part of the Nets’ recent run, and also their successful record against Miami this season. The Heat, who average 103 PPG on 50% shooting for the season, have put up only 97 PPG on 46% shooting against Paul Piece and company.
Furthermore, LeBron James’ team has been unable to outperform their nemeses in the clutch. Out of the three losses, two were by a single point, while the other came came in overtime in a game in which the Heat werewithout Dwyane Wade.
During their recent stretch of wins, the Nets have also been covering the spread. They are 13-7 ATS since March 1.
Betting on the Miami Heat
Despite going 10-8 in March, Miami (53-23) is back atop the Eastern Conference as the No. 1 seed. Still, they will need to finish strong to stay ahead of Indiana and guarantee themselves home court advantage through at least three rounds of the playoffs.
The Heat are coming off a strong performance against the New York Knicks on Sunday in which they shot 55% and held Carmelo Anthony to just 12 points. LeBron James scored a game-high 38 points.
Beating Brooklyn would be easier if Dwyane Wade (19.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.6 RPG) is able to suit up. The All-Star shooting guard has missed six straight games, and it has yet to be announced if he will play in his team’s next contest. Thankfully, LeBron James (25 PPG on over 50% shooting in his last six) is still around to carry the team.
Wade has missed 25 match ups this season, with Miami going 17-8 SU in his absence. That’s not a bad record, but the Heat are still much better when Wade is in uniform. In February, they went 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS, with Wade playing in nine of those games.
Over their last 10 outings, Miami is 7-3 both SU and ATS.
Prediction
The Heat may have lost to the Net three times this season, but none have been big wins. Take Miami to cover the spread and remind the Nets of where they stand in the Eastern Conference.
