Phoenix Suns vs Miami Heat Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 05/01/2024, 08:50  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Phoenix Suns will entertain the Miami Heat at the Footprint Center on Friday night in the NBA. The hosts are 18-16 and ninth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 20-14 and fourth in the Eastern Conference. 

The Miami Heat have been in solid form, securing victory in five of their last seven games and looking to maintain their momentum after a convincing 110-96 road win against the Lakers on Wednesday. Tyler Herro played a key role, leading the team with 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Jaime Jacquez Jr added 16 points to the mix. Miami currently holds the 23rd rank in scoring in the NBA, averaging 112.9 points per game, while the Phoenix squad is positioned 15th in defensive rankings, allowing 114.1 points per game. Despite their offensive ranking, the Heat have excelled on the defensive end, conceding an average of 111.5 points per game, marking the sixth-best defensive performance in the NBA. Notably, the team's offensive output at home is higher at 116.7 points per game, compared to an average of 109.9 on the road. Several players, including Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson, Haywood Highsmith, Caleb Martin, and Dru Smith, are listed as doubtful for the upcoming match.

Meanwhile, The Phoenix Suns were enjoying a successful stretch with four consecutive wins before facing a setback in a 131-122 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. Devin Booker led the team with an impressive performance, contributing 35 points and six assists on 11 of 15 shooting, while Bradley Beal added 21 points to the effort. The Suns typically score 115.4 points per game, which is only 3.9 more points than the 111.5 points allowed on average by the Heat. Defensively, Phoenix has allowed an average of 114.1 points per game this season, placing them 15th in the NBA. Opponents are shooting at a rate of 46.5% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range against the Suns. The Suns' offensive performance in the 2023-24 season has been better at home, where they score 117.2 points per game, compared to their away games, where they score 113.0 points per game. There is a possibility of Kevin Durant returning for the upcoming match, while Damion Lee and Nassir Little are listed as doubtful.