NBA Predictions: Is over the right play for Suns at Heat? 3/5/18

Suns vs. Heat Pick

Are the Phoenix Suns and host Miami Heat going to play a high-scoring game that exceeds the projected total tonight at 7:30PM ET?

705 Phoenix Suns at 706 Miami Heat, 7:30PM ET

CURRENT ODDS

According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Heat are a 9.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under sits at 218.5 points.

Bet NBA Action For Monday, March 5, 2018

LINE MOVEMENT

Miami opened as a 10-point favorite, while the total has gone up from 216.5. The Heat are a -9.5-point favorite with an over-under of 218.5 at most books, although it can also be found at -9 and 216.5 at some Las Vegas books.

PUBLIC BETTING

As of Monday afternoon, 51 percent of public bets are coming in on the visiting Suns. Online wager info also shows that 61 percent of bets are siding with the over.

INJURY TO WATCH

Phoenix point guard Tyler Ulis suffered a back injury and it is unknown when he will return to game action. For Miami, three players are questionable - Wayne Ellington (quadriceps contusion), Tyler Johnson (quadriceps) and Bam Adebayo (personal reasons). The latest report says Adebayo is expected to return to action tonight. 

BETTING STRATEGY

The Heat might play at a slow pace and are sound defensively, but the Suns have a way of making anyone look like an offensive juggernaut. Factor in that Phoenix is capable offensively, even more so since the addition of Elfrid Payton, and you have the makings of an old-fashioned shootout here. The Suns lost 113-112 at the Hawks last night and shouldn't have any defensive legs with this being their third game in four days. Miami stayed at home after topping the Pistons 105-96 two nights ago. If you don't think the Heat can get into a track race of a game, look at their 131-113 home loss to the Lakers only two games ago. Phoenix is going to present less of a challenge defensively than LA did. Take the over here.

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: SUNS/HEAT OVER 218.5

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