Miami Heat vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 08/01/2024, 06:41  by Joseph King | Modified on 08/01/2024 at 06:54 in NBA Predictions

An inter-conference matchup on Monday in the NBA sees the 20-15 Miami Heat hosting the 18-16 Houston Rockets. The Heat are currently sitting eighth in the congested East standings which sees only a half game separating eighth-place from fourth-place. Miami will be seeking a bounce back following a disappointing 113-97 away loss to the Phoenix Suns in their last outing. It was the team’s third defeat in their last four appearances and also the second-lowest points total that they had put up this season. Star player Jimmy Butler continues to miss out with a foot injury and the Heat are clearly missing his influence in recent games. They’ve managed a 6-5 record without the 34-year-old this season but could really use his 20+ points per game and hard-nosed defense right now. The Heat return to South Beach for this game after a lengthy five-game road trip and have a 9-6 record at the Kaseya Center this season.

The Rockets now hit the road after wrapping up their extended seven game home stand on the right foot with an impressive 112-108 win over the Bucks. Despite Giannis going off for 48 points, the Rockets were able to stifle the Bucks long range shooting and held their opponents to just 26.5% from downtown. Overall, it was the team’s third win from the last four and somewhat salvaged the three losses they had suffered earlier for a 3-4 record during the home stand. They’ll now have to adapt to playing on the road where they have struggled to get the same kind of results. The Rockets are just 3-10 as the away team this season compared to their stellar 15-6 mark in Houston. Their 18-16 record has them sitting eighth in the West and with a 2.5 game gap opened up between themselves and rivals Dallas in seventh.