The Washington Wizards are set to face the Miami Heat tonight. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Wizards-Heat prediction and pick we have laid out below.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Wizards-Heat odds for this Thursday NBA matchup:
NBA odds: Wizards-Heat Odds
Washington Wizards +7 (-110)
Miami Heat -7 (-110)
Over: 207 (-110)
Under: 207 (-110)
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Why the Wizards Could Cover the Spread
The Washington Wizards may be the biggest surprise in the NBA so far this season. The Wizards are the top team in the Eastern Conference with a 10-4 record. They are 7-3 over their last ten games and have won five of their previous six games. Bradley Beal leads the Wizards in scoring with 23.4 points, while Kyle Kuzma leads the team in rebounding with 8.8 rebounds per game. The Wizards score the 4th most points in the paint (49.0) and have the 7th highest two-point percentage (53.3%) in the NBA. Washington is 8-3 against Eastern Conference foes entering Wednesday with a +2.8 ppg scoring margin this season.
Washington leads the league in opponent effective field goal percentage (47.8%) and has the second least opponent three-point (30.8%) & two-point rates (48.6%). The defense has improved dramatically from last season, mainly due to the additions made over the off-season. Rui Hachimura (COVID protocols) is expected to be out until late November, while David Bertans (ankle) is out for this game as well. Beal missed the last two games but is not on the injury report for tonight, so he should be back here. The Wizards are 5-1 against the spread in the last six meetings in Miami.
Why the Heat Could Cover the Spread
The Miami Heat are off to an impressive start in 2021 after a let-down season last year. They are currently 10-5 and 4th in the Eastern Conference. Miami beat New Orleans last night 113-98 to extend their three-game win streak. Jimmy Butler returned from a sprained right ankle and posted a triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Heat played without Bam Adebayo and Kyle Lowry in this game. Tyler Herro added 19 points while Max Strus had 15 off the bench, including 4-6 from 3-point range. Credit to Pat Riley for his off-season signings because this may be one of Miami's most complete teams in a while. The Heat rank 6th in the NBA in points per game (110.3), 3rd in total rebounds per game (55.9), 3rd in free-throw percentage (82.3%), and 7th in total assists per game (55.9).
Defensively, Miami is one of the better teams in the NBA as well. They lead the league in the fewest opponent points in the paint per game (39.9) and the fewest opponent FGM per game (36.6). Come playoff time, this will be a terrifying team to face if all pieces stay healthy. They have the size, strength, and grit to compete with any team in the NBA. Over their last six home games, Miami is 5-1 against the spread.
Final Wizards-Heat Prediction & Pick
Both teams are playing on a back-to-back, however, Miami does not have to travel. The Heat will have Kyle Lowry back in the lineup, which significantly boosts their offensive pace of play. Miami has won seven of the last nine meetings straight up against the Wizards and should be ready to go tonight in front of their home crowd. Miami is 6-0 against the spread in their last six games playing on 0 days rest, and I believe that trend continues tonight. Back the Heat to cover the spread in this Eastern Conference matchup.
Final Wizards-Heat Prediction & Pick: Miami Heat -7 (-110)
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