Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat Predictions, Picks and NBA Preview – January 17, 2017

Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat Betting Preview

Where: American Airlines Arena — Miami, FL

When: Tuesday, January 17, 2017, 7:30 PM ET

Line: Houston Rockets (-8) at Miami Heat (+8); total: 222.0 – view all NBA lines

TV Broadcast: NBATV

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Betting on the Houston Rockets (32-11)

Point Spread: -8

The Houston Rockets snapped their two-game losing skid with a resounding 137-112 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night. Houston finally woke up from its offensive slumber after scoring just 105 points in each of its previous two defeats. James Harden recorded his 12th triple-double of the season, scoring 22 points, grabbing 11 boards and dishing out 11 assists. It wasn’t just Harden, though, who excelled against the Nets. All five Houston starters produced double-digit points and at least seven rebounds against Brooklyn. The last time a Rockets starting five put up those impressive numbers was in 1970.

They will look to sustain the momentum of that huge win when they lock horns with the Miami Heat tonight. For the Rockets to accomplish that feat, they will need to continue their excellent play from the perimeter. Houston shot 21-of-44 from beyond the arc in the win against Brooklyn. That’s the sixth time this season that the Rockets have scored at least 20 3-pointers in a single game. The Rockets lead the league in three-pointers made this season with 15 a game.

The Rockets are 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games.

Betting on the Miami Heat (11-30)

Point Spread: +8

Miami’s losing woes show no sign of ending as the Heat crashed to their fourth consecutive defeat with a stinging 116-108 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. The Heat simply had no answer for Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo who combined for 43 points and 13 boards. It was another disappointing result for the Heat who have now lost 11 of their last 12 games.

The Heat will look to end their losing rut when they face the Houston Rockets tonight. For Miami to grab the much-needed victory, it needs to improve on its play on the defensive end.  In their last four losses, opponents have scored an average of 112 points. That will be easier said than done, though, against a Houston side that’s averaging 114.9 points per game this season, second-highest in the NBA. Another thing that’s concerning head coach Erik Spoelstra at the moment is his team’s alarming home form. The Heat are just 5-13 at American Airlines Arena this season.

With regards to their offense, the Heat are expected to ride the hot hand of Hassan Whiteside. The do-it-all center is averaging 17.5 points, 14.3 assists and 2.2 blocks per game this campaign. He will be licking his chops at the prospect of facing a Houston defense that’s allowing 46.6 points per game inside the paint this season, third-worst in the NBA. Whiteside scored 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in his lone meeting against the Rockets last season.

The Heat are 3-7 SU and 4-6 ATS in their last 10 home games.

Writer’s Prediction

Houston (-8) wins, 121-100.

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