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The NBA season continues with games on Wednesday. The Miami Heat will hit the road and take on the Portland Trail Blazers. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Heat-Blazers prediction and pick.
These two teams have been having somewhat different seasons. The Miami Heat have a record of 23-15 but are coming off a disappointing loss. While the Portland Trail Blazers are 14-22, they are coming off an impressive win. This should be an interesting match-up.
Here are the odds for the Heat-Blazers Wednesday night NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Heat-Blazers Odds
Miami Heat: -2.5 (-108)
Portland Trail Blazers: +2.5 (-112)
Over: 216.5 (-110)
Under: 216.5 (-110)
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Why The Heat Could Cover The Spread
The Miami Heat have been having a very solid season. Through their first 38 games, they have managed to win 23 and lose 15. They are coming off back-to-back losses, with their most recent loss coming against the dominant Warriors. Miami only lost that game by seven which was less than expected, so it wasn’t too bad of an outing for the Heat. However, recent injuries and COVID reports may be the downfall for Miami. They are lucky to be facing a weak opponent in Portland, but even so, Wednesday could be tough for the Heat.
Miami actually did a very solid job of keeping pace with Golden State. There were no big differences across most metrics. While the Warriors edged them out in total shooting, the Heat actually made more threes and free throws than Golden State. However, where they fell short was in ball movement and assists. Miami only dished out 24 assists, compared to the whopping 39 from the Warriors. It’s tough to compete with Golden State, but when they are moving the ball effortlessly it is nearly impossible. If Miami can play a similar game on Wednesday they could end up on top.
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While COVID is headlining many injury reports it is easy to forget about actual injuries. The Heat suffered a devastating loss in their last game when Jimmy Butler had to exit with an ankle injury. Butler remains unavailable for Wednesday’s game. On top of that, the Heat have four players in the league’s health and safety protocols and another five players out with injuries. This Heat team is crippled and will lean heavily on their remaining players to carry them.
Why The Blazers Could Cover The Spread
The Portland Trail Blazers have been having a rather disappointing season. Injuries and COVID have certainly complicated things, yet, through it all the Blazers remain underwhelming. Through their first 36 games, they have a losing record with only 14 wins and 22 losses. With that said, the Blazers are coming off an impressive five-point victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Portland regained some of their players for that game and that proved to be a difference-maker. If the Blazers are able to build on that performance then they might just extend their win streak to two.
The Blazers just put on a solid all-around performance in their last game. They edged out Atlanta in nearly every category, and their solid performance resulted in a win. While the Hawks actually made one more shot than the Blazers, Portland knocked down four more threes which allowed them to pull ahead. The Blazers were ahead for the whole first half. It wasn’t until the third quarter that the Hawks kicked it up a notch and took the lead. Portland ended up dominating the fourth quarter and crushing the comeback. If the Blazers can bring that tenacity to this match then they could end up on top.
The Blazers have been hit hard with both injuries and COVID. Headlining the unavailable players for Wednesday’s match are Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The star duo missed the Blazers last game, and in spite of their absence, Portland was able to come out on top. That was largely in part because of Anfernee Simmons’ 40-piece, but it is still an encouraging sight. Expect the Blazers to lean on the rest of their roster on Wednesday.
Final Heat-Blazers Prediction & Pick
This is a tough decision. Both of these teams are severely impacted by injuries. The Miami Heat will need to overcome the recent loss of Jimmy Butler. While the Blazers will still struggle without their two stars. With that said, the Heat have shown an ability to overcome injuries and setbacks all season. Miami hasn't been healthy for most of the season, yet they have somehow managed to win games. The Heat are a deeper and more resilient team than Portland and that should be evident on Wednesday. Given all of that, pick the Heat to win and cover.
FINAL HEAT-BLAZERS PICK: Miami Heat -2.5 (-108)
FINAL HEAT-BLAZERS SCORE PREDICTION: Heat 110 – Blazers 106
