Houston Rockets vs Miami Heat Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 05/04/2024, 05:45  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 05/04/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Houston Rockets will play host to the Miami Heat at the Toyota Center in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 38-38 and 11th in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 42-34 and seventh in the Eastern Conference. 

The Miami Heat find themselves in a heated battle for sixth place, a position that would exempt them from the playoff rounds. Currently trailing the Pacers by just one win, they will be determined to bounce back after their three-game win streak was halted by a 109-105 loss to the 76ers last night. Terry Rozier led the team with 22 points, sinking six 3-pointers, while Jimmy Butler contributed 20 points along with five assists. Miami ranks 27th in the league in scoring, averaging 109.8 points per game, which is just three points fewer than the 112.8 points typically allowed by the Rockets. Their offensive performance is stronger at home, where they average 112.2 points per game, compared to 107.4 points per game on the road. However, their defensive prowess is their major strength, ranking fourth-best in the league by allowing just 108.4 points per game. Josh Richardson and Tyler Herro are sidelined for Miami.

The Houston Rockets had been on a late surge to crack the top ten and keep their playoff aspirations alive, stringing together an impressive 11 consecutive wins leading up to last week. However, they have recently hit a rough patch and suffered a significant setback in their last outing, falling to the Warriors 133-110. As a result, they now find themselves trailing Golden State by four wins with just six games remaining in the season. Houston ranks 16th in scoring in the NBA, averaging 114 points per game, while the Miami Heat boast the fourth-best defensive record in the league, conceding just 108.4 points per game. Defensively, they allow an average of 112.8 points per game, ranking them 11th in the league. Houston's playoff hopes now hinge on their ability to win every remaining game and hope for the Warriors to lose five of their remaining six matches. Unfortunately, Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Steven Adams are sidelined for Houston.