Not even Manu Ginobili’s absence due to an injury to his, um, “crown jewels” can stop the San Antonio Spurs from winning. The Spurs, who are coming off a win against Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers, begin a lengthy road trip later tonight in Miami. Will the fun continue for the Spurs? Or will the Heat cool them down?
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San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat Preview
Where: AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami
When: Tuesday, February 2, 2016, 8:00 PM ET
Line: San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: NBATV
Betting on the San Antonio Spurs (43-8)
Another game, another victory for San Antonio. The Spurs stretched their win streak to four games on Saturday, when they beat a surprisingly game Lakers team, 106-102. Up ahead for San Antonio is a seemingly more challenging matchup with the Heat, whom the Spurs have beaten in the last five meetings.
That being said, San Antonio’s defense slipped a bit against the Lakers, particularly on the perimeter, as they allowed Kobe Bryant and company to connect for 10 three-pointers—a big jump from the 6.1 threes their opponents make per game on the season. That’s unlikely to repeat in South Beach later tonight, though, with the Heat being one of the poorest three-point shooting team in the league.
Perhaps the most glaring advantage of San Antonio over the Heat is its astounding bench production. The Spurs’ backups are second in the NBA in scoring with 41.8 PPG, while Miami’s second stringers put up a measly 25.3 PPG—lowest in the league.
Big man LaMarcus Aldridge has been stepping it up of late, as he’s averaged 23.8 points over his last five games, while Kawhi Leonard has put up 20.6 during the same stretch.
San Antonio is 3-0 ATS in its last three games in Miami.
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Betting on the Miami Heat (29-22)
For some reason, the Heat opted to start Amar’e Stoudemire instead of Hassan Whiteside on Sunday, when the Heat lost to the LA Clippers, 100-93. There hasn’t been any report of a new injury to Whiteside, so the Heat are likely to insert him into the starting unit later tonight to counter San Antonio’s big men.
Despite seeing just 17 minutes of action in the Clippers game, Whiteside managed to record 10 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double in a row. With Whiteside patrolling the paint, the Spurs wouldn’t have it that easy scoring inside. The Spurs are scoring 44.3 points in the paint per game, but Miami allows just 40.1. In addition, Miami is second in blocks with 6.5 per game.
Defense holds the key for Miami in this game, as the Heat can’t match the firepower the Spurs have. The Heat are just 29th in the NBA with just 95.9 PPG.
Chris Bosh, who scored 17 points against the Clippers, paces the Heat with 19.1 PPG, while Dwyane Wade puts up 18.7 PPG.
Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
San Antonio wins, 105-97.
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