The daily preview takes it to the rim with NBA tips for a top-four showdown in the Eastern Conference.
NBA Tips – Washington Wizards @ Miami Heat
11:30 (AEDT), Fri 19th Nov @ FTX Arena, Miami
History: Played 136: Heat 93 V Wizards 43
Last meeting: February 5, 2021: Heat 122 d Wizards 95 at American Airlines Arena
Final Thoughts: Surprise Eastern Conference leaders Washington Wizards head to Miami aiming to bounce back from a rare loss against the in-form Heat.
The 10-4 Wizards’ five-game winning run was halted by the Hornets in a 97-87 defeat yesterday. The Wizards led by six at halftime but scored just 36 points in the second half to post their lowest total of the season.
Bradley Beal (24 pts, 7 ast) and big man Daniel Gafford (20 pts, 9 reb) were Washington’s best in defeat, while Sixth Man of the Year contender Montrezl Harrell (15 pts, 9 reb) was solid off the bench. But Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Spencer Dinwiddie – who is in doubt for today’s clash – managed just eight points between them.
The 10-5 Heat are also on a back-to-back, accounting for the Pelicans 113-98 yesterday for their third straight win. Jimmy Butler (31 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast) recorded a blistering triple-double to lead to Miami back from a 13-point first-quarter deficit in his return from an ankle injury. Tyler Herro – the runaway Sixth Man of the Year favourite – had 19 points in a rare start.
The Heat did it without Bam Adebayo (knee) and Kyle Lowry (rest). Lowry will face the Wizards while Adebayo is a gametime decision.
The Heat have won seven of their last nine against the Wizards. The Wizards did manage a 103-100 upset in Miami last season, but the Heat responded with a 122-95 blowout victory two days later.
The Heat are 5-1 at home this season, overall and ATS. The Wizards are just 4-3 on the road (3-4 against the line).
Both sides are among the NBA’s best defensively. But the Heat also have a top-four offence (the Wizards are ranked 19th). Home-court advantage and a healthier line-up should also play a key role in a fourth straight win for Butler and co.
Tip: Handicap – Heat -7.5 @ $1.92
OTHER NBA GAMES |
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| TEAMS | ||
| Golden State Warriors @ Cleveland Cavaliers | Margin – Warriors 11-20 | |
| San Antonio Spurs @ Minnesota Timberwolves | Handicap – Timberwolves -2.5 @ $1.95 | |
| LA Clippers @ Memphis Grizzlies | Result – Clippers @ $1.80 | |
| Philadelphia 76ers @ Denver Nuggets | Handicap – Nuggets -8 @ $1.87 | |
| Toronto Raptors @ Utah Jazz | Handicap – Jazz -9.5 @ $1.90 | |