The Miami Heat face the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.
Interestingly enough, the Miami Heat will be on the second night of a back to back set of games and though against the, now, 2-14 New Orleans Pelicans for that victory, it was still a game that was played.
More interesting, Thursday’s game against the surging Wizards and their 10-4 record, is the first of a home and home set with the familiar foes.
After facing them on the backside of this set to complete that pairing, it also serves as the opening of a pairing that will be completed on Saturday in Washington… against these same Wizards.
There won’t really be much benefit to Washington though, well, as far as the Miami Heat coming off a Wednesday night game. The Wizards also played on Wednesday, losing to the Charlotte Hornets by a score of 97-87, a team the Heat handled with ease… must it be added.
With every game being it’s own though, how will the Heat fare against another of the Eastern Conferences most on the rise teams? They should be fine.
But here are some interesting little nuggets and details for discussion anyway.
Miami Heat Odds: Spencer Dinwiddie Injury Makes For Interesting Call?
Facing the Wizards in scrappy matchups every year, regardless of the records of either of the two teams, they are always tough games. More often than not though, the Miami Heat come out on top and that has everything to do with the consistency and continuity of Erik Spoelstra.
That’s neither here nor there at the moment though, as with the Wizards coming off the aforementioned back to back of their own, they’ll be down a guy.
Here’s the report according to NBC Sports Washington’s Chase Hughes.
"Spencer Dinwiddie is not expected to play tomorrow against the Heat, coach Wes Unseld Jr. says. Dinwiddie is being limited in back-to-backs due to his ACL surgery earlier this year."
While the Wizards will still be a tough out with Bradley Beal and the rest of their added talent this season, not having Dinwiddie will hurt them, especially with Bam Adebayo and Kyle Lowry likely to play after not going against the Pelicans.
Miami Heat Odds: How Should The Plays Be Made With Dinwiddie Down?
Kyle Lowry will suit up and it would be a drop-dead shock if Bam didn’t too. When it comes to how this game should be wagered, the Heat are the way to lean, but what are the numbers on the matchup?
Miami Heat vs Wizards Odds, Spread, Over/Under
Money Line: Miami Heat -280, Washington Wizards +240
Spread: Miami Heat -6.5
Over/Under: 210.5
Analysis
If you had to pick a play from the standard choices above, the over/under would be the way to go. With the Miami Heat at sixth in the league in scoring at 110.1 and the Wizards at 12th with 108.4, the 210.5 total points margin isn’t that daunting.
That’s, even, without Spencer Dinwiddie on the floor for the Wizards. The spread also isn’t a bad play to make because of the Dinwiddie injury, but it’s still a risky play due to the close and testy nature of games between these two, historically.
For that reason, you can also assume the money line isn’t a bad way to go, but the value just isn’t there pregame. Laying $2.80 to the dollar just isn’t worth it for the risk associated, as again, close and scrappy games between these two teams.
If you’re feeling froggy, the leap might pay off though, as the Heat should win this game. However, there is always that shot of a game that goes right down to the last shot.
Either way it goes, it’ll be a great game to watch and hopefully a win for the Miami Heat. As far as your wagers, play smartly and choose wisely.