Miami Heat vs. Phoenix Suns Preview
As they conclude a five-game road excursion, the Miami Heat are set to compete against the Phoenix Suns, marking the latter’s return to their home arena after a two-week absence. The Suns will be significantly undermanned, missing their top scorer, Devin Booker, who was observed leaving a recent game against the Atlanta Hawks utilizing crutches. Additionally, teammate Jalen Green is dealing with a hamstring issue and remains uncertain for the matchup, placing increased pressure on the Suns’ offensive lineup.
Key Players to Watch
In light of these injuries, Dillon Brooks emerges as a critical player, expected to seize scoring opportunities. In a previous encounter this season, Brooks delivered a solid performance against Miami, racking up 25 points. Notably, he has been impressive at home, averaging 23.9 points per game and surpassing the 22-point mark in 17 games. In 11 of his last 15 home games, he has consistently exceeded this scoring threshold.
This evening, Brooks is projected to play a vital role in alleviating the scoring burden left by Booker’s absence, particularly against a Miami defense that has been lenient, allowing the seventh-highest points per game in the league.
In addition to Brooks, Bam Adebayo, who has been productive with an average of 37.5 points, rebounds, and assists (PRA) over his last seven outings, is poised for a standout performance as well. With Kel’el Ware sidelined, Adebayo is likely to see an increase in his workload, having previously accumulated 42 PRA in his latest outing against the Suns on January 13.
Betting Predictions
Despite playing on their home turf, the Suns might face challenges against a Heat squad that holds a solid record of 26-20 against the spread and is particularly competitive on the road with a 13-11 spread record.
Betting predictions for this game suggest looking at the following options:
- Dillon Brooks to score over 22.5 points
- Bam Adebayo to exceed 32.5 points, rebounds, and assists combined
- Miami Heat to cover a +4 spread
- Andrew Wiggins to hit over 13.5 points, bringing his average to 15.9 this season with a notable streak of scoring 14 or more in 27 of 42 games.
Game Details
With the tip-off set for 8:00 PM ET at PHX Arena in Arizona, fans can catch the action on FDSN Sun and Arizona’s Family Sports.
Trends to Consider
In terms of trends, it’s worth noting that the Heat have successfully covered the first-quarter spread in 33 of their last 45 away contests, showcasing a +20.45 units return on investment (ROI). This game definitely holds potential for both teams, shaping up to be an exciting confrontation despite the absence of key players for the Suns.
