Golden State Warriors vs Miami Heat Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 28/12/2023, 07:40  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Golden State Warriors will welcome the Miami Heat to the Chase Center for an NBA showdown on Thursday. The hosts are 15-15 and 11th in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 18-12 and fourth in the Eastern Conference. 

The Golden State Warriors have shown solid form recently, with a five-game win streak, though that was interrupted by a 120-114 road defeat against the Nuggets on Christmas Day. Andrew Wiggins led the team in scoring with 22 points, shooting seven of 11 off the bench. Offensively, they score an average of 117.1 points per game, which is 5.2 more points than the Miami Heat typically allow (111.9). Defensively, the Warriors have given up an average of 116.8 points per game over their last six games, but for the season, they have yielded 115.9 points per game. Notably, the Warriors have performed worse offensively at home, where they average 115.9 points per game, compared to on the road, where they put up 118.3 points per game. Gary Payton II is sidelined due to injury, and Draymond Green is still suspended.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have been in good form, winning six of their last eight games. They are now aiming for a fourth consecutive victory after securing a 119-113 win against the shorthanded 76ers on Monday. Jaime Jacquez Jr led the team with an impressive 31 points and 10 rebounds on 11 of 15 shooting. Despite much of their success coming at home this season, with a 9-6 record on the road, the Heat have demonstrated their ability to find success regardless of the venue. Offensively, Miami ranks 20th in the NBA, averaging 113.4 points per game, while their upcoming opponent ranks 20th in defense, allowing 115.9 points per game. During their three-game winning streak, the Heat have shown defensive improvement, holding opponents to an average of 110.7 points per game, down from their season average of 111.9 points allowed.