The Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets are squaring-off for the first time this season, but both teams are coming from a win before this game. Heat are currently at 13-15, after they win against Pacers, in a score of 87-82. The Rockets on the other hand had a dominating 111-97 win against the Suns on their last game. Both teams are coming from a good momentum, but who among them can retain their winning momentum? This meeting will be on December 16, 2022, at 9:00 AM (GMT+8), when the Rockets host the Heat for their first meeting.
Rockets have been impressive from both ends of the floor during their meeting against the Suns on their last game. In fact, they held their opponent to a 32% of shooting from the field. If they want to win against the Heat in this match, they must display a solid defense, which they are capable of. The Heat on the other hand played well defensively, contesting shots near the rim and on the perimeter. If they want to pick up a win in this match, they must stay solid in defense. Defense will be the theme of this match for both teams as it will be their key to win this game.
Miami Heat
This team is currently doing well at home, but the question remains if they can do well on the road. They are currently at the 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 13-15, and are hoping to get more wins to improve standings. On their meeting against the Pacers, they played an old-school type of game, which brings them a win. Jimmy Butler have been phenomenal in that match, scoring seven straight points in the late 4th quarter. Their head coach, Erik Spoelstra believes that if they did not do well defensively, the Pacers could have led them as much as 10-12 points. Offensively, they are scoring 107.9 points per game, the 26th in the league, and giving up 110.9 points per game, the 8th lowest in the league. As of writing, the Heat has an on-going game against the Thunder.
Bam Adebayo is the one leading the Heat, averaging 20.8 points per game. Jimmy Butler on the other hand plays very well on their last meeting, scoring 21 points, including a seven straight points at the end of the 4th. However, they have several guys who are questionable for this match. Dewayne Dedmon, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and Max Strus, are all questionable in this game. Gabe Vincent on the other hand will not play in this match.
Houston Rockets
Rockets has a home advantage coming into this match, and this what they are looking to take advantage. They are currently 15th in the Western Conference standings, and are hoping to improve their standings through a win in this game. During their meeting against the Suns, they finished that match dominating their opponent with a 14-points lead. The Rockets led all throughout that game, even having a 23 points lead on that match. At the end of the first half, they are leading as much as 19 points, starting the second half strongly. That victory is the second straight victory for the Rockets, after defeating the Bucks. Currently, they are at the 24th offensively with an average of 110.3 points per game. However, they are the lowest when it comes to shooting percentage as they only shoot 44.3% from the field. Defensively, they surrender
Jalen Green continue to lead the Rockets with an average of 21.8 points per game, on a 41.8% of shooting. However, it is unfortunate for the Rockets as Jae’Sean Tate will be unavailable for this game due to ankle injury.
Prediction:
Miami Heat
Total Under: 102.5
Odds: 0.89
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