Odds, Keys, And Players to Watch
The Miami Heat (39-21 and first in the Eastern Conference) are back in Miami on Saturday, as they take on the San Antonio Spurs (24-36 and 11th in the Western Conference) at 8 pm Eastern Time.
Miami, coming off a,115-100, win against the New York Knicks, are looking to keep momentum on their side as they push to maintain the top spot in the Eastern Conference. With a potential first-round bye in the playoffs up for grabs, they have a little more than 21 games left in the regular season to lock things down.
Saturday sees them take on a team that they know far too well, in both the regular season and playoffs, as they take on Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. That, inevitably, means that Coach Pops’ Spurs will be prepared for the Heat as well though.
Let’s take a closer look.
Players to Watch
Tyler Herro is one of the main factors for the Miami Heat to keep an eye out for against the Spurs. Herro, who on Friday night put up 25 points and seven rebounds against the New York Knicks, has been coming off the bench for Miami all year, leading the NBA Sixth Man Of The Year race, and playing a key role on both ends of the court for his team.
Miami will look to him to keep the same offensive attack going from behind the three-point arc, while of course, continuing to look to him as the leader coming off the bench. Jimmy Butler will be another player to watch out for, as the All-Star forward for the Miami Heat will look to create plays on offense while playing his typically stellar brand of defense.
The Miami Heat, after a,115-100, win on Friday over the New York Knicks in MSG, are back in Miami Saturday to take on the San Antonio Spurs.
He had 23 points against the Knicks and continues to show why he’s the leader of this Heat team on both ends. Butler will have to keep the momentum going on both ends Saturday though, as they look to him down the stretch in close game situations.
With both teams coming off of a game on Friday, though with the Spurs playing two overtime periods in a Friday win over Washington, Butler will be especially crucial to them. Bam Adebayo will be the last player to watch against the Spurs.
He is coming off another double-double night against the Knicks, putting up 16 points, 16 rebounds, and all tied together by his four helpers for his teammates. He will be a factor in the paint, as he always is.
No matter where he is on the court, he has the ability to, not only, box out multiple guys to get the rebounds but also to draw guys towards him to open up lanes for his teammates.
Keys To The Game
1. Attack The Paint: Miami had a total of 54 points from inside the painted area against the Knicks. They must continue to drive down the lane and score on easy buckets when it becomes available to them.
2. Make The Fast Breaks Count: Miami had a total of 20 points off the fast break against the Knicks. The Heat will have to continue to push the ball and capitalize on the fast break points when they can.
They have to be mindful of that too, as the Spurs can make you pay in the uptempo if you aren’t cashing in on your own opportunities.
3. Keep The Ball Moving: Miami had a total of 22 assists, overall, against the Knicks. The Heat must continue to move the ball, create plays for their teammates, and find the open man whenever possible.
Miami Heat vs San Antonio Spurs Odds
Odds And Information Provided Courtesy Of WynnBET
Moneyline: MIA -370 SA +290
Spread: MIA -8.5
Total: 225
Predictions
The Miami Heat are playing back-to-back games coming off the All-Star break and must stay focused after coming off the win against the Knicks. Miami must come into this game with a clear head and ready to go against the Spurs.
If they can play a clean game, with few sloppy plays, and all while not forcing the ball, action, or the issue, as they did, at times, in New York, you can see them ending this one early.
I see them getting a pretty simple win here, 120-105, win over the Spurs.
