Miami Heat vs Phoenix Suns Betting Preview

Date & Time: Thursday, March 3, 7:30 PM

Venue: American Airlines Arena (Miami, Florida)

Head to head record

Phoenix Suns vs Miami Heat 95-103 (2015/2016 NBA)
Miami Heat vs Phoenix Suns 115-98 (2014/2015 NBA)
Phoenix Suns vs Miami Heat 97-103 (2014/2015 NBA)
Phoenix Suns vs Miami Heat 97-103 (2013/2014 NBA)
Miami Heat vs Phoenix Suns 107-92 (2013/2014 NBA)

Miami Heat vs Phoenix Suns prediction

Buoyed by a win over Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat take on Phoenix Suns in a match that could help Erik Spoelstra’s team strengthen their grip on fourth position in the Eastern Conference. Suns were outclassed by Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday and they are eager to bounce back from the defeat.

Routine win over Chicago

Miami Heat produced a thrilling display against Golden State Warriors on 25 February, but they eventually suffered a 112-118 loss to the defending champions in front of home fans. However, following a loss to Boston Celtics, Erik Spoelstra’s men recorded back-to-back wins over the likes of New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls in previous two league games and they are certainly brimming with confidence ahead of the visit of Phoenix Suns. Miami occupy fourth position in the Eastern Conference and they are on the right track to book their place in the NBA play-offs, but Heat can’t afford any complacency in the remainder of the season. The likes of Whiteside and Johnson scored 50 goals between each other in the 129-111 victory over Chicago Bulls, but a man to watch in the home team will be Dwyane Wade, who is averaging 19 points this season.

The likes of Tyler Johnson and Chris Bosh both miss the game with injury, but coach Erik Spoelstra has no fresh selection worries ahead of the Suns game.

Last win at American Airlines Arena in 2009

Phoenix Suns are having a season to forget. Earl Watson’s men have recorded no more than 15 wins from possible 60 this season and it has to be noted that the team have suffered 14 defeats in previous 15 games. Phoenix were totally crushed by Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night and it is no surprise they are regarded as big underdogs in Thursday’s match against Suns. Earl Watson’s team recorded their last win on the road back in December, 2015 and I do not believe that they are capable of putting an end to their 16-match losing run on the travels. It has been seven years since Phoenix recorded their last win at Miami and they suffered a loss in each of their last five meetings with Erik Spoelstra’s troops. Mirza Teletovic has been in a fine form of late and all eyes will be on the Bosnian player when the two sides take on each other at American Airlines Arena.

Brandon Knight and Erik Bledsoe both miss the trip to Miami with injury. Sonny Weems did not enter the court against Charlotte, but he could play some part in Thursday’s game against Miami.

Interesting Facts

• Miami Heat are eyeing their 20th home win of the season
• Erik Spoelstra’s team scored 100+ points in each of their last five home matches
• Mirza Teletovic has been averaging 17.8 points in last ten games
• Miami are eyeing their sixth consecutive win over Phoenix
• Heat conceded 100+ points in each of their last eight games

Miami Heat vs Phoenix Suns betting pick

Miami are superior to Suns, but the hosts will have to prove their worth on the court. Heat head into the match without key player Chris Bosh, but given Phoenix’s poor away record, I believe that there is a big value in betting on Erik Spoelstra’s team. In their last meeting at American Airlines Arena Miami Heat recorded a 115-98 win over Phoenix Suns.

Pick: Miami -13

Odds: -110