Heat vs. Wizards Prediction
The Miami Heat blew a double-digit lead last night in its season opener on the road. Will Miami have better luck tonight in a back-to-back as it travels to the Washington Wizards?
Game Snapshot
503 Miami Heat at 504 Washington Wizards
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Capital One Arena at 8:05PM ET
TV: NBCSWA (WASH)
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Wizards are a 5.5-point favorite on the spread line. The total sits at 213.5 points. As of Thursday morning, 77 percent of public bets are coming in on host Washington. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Heat falter after hot start
Miami led 25-12 at Orlando Wednesday night in its season opener, but struggled from that point on in what ended as a 104-101 loss. Goran Dragic paced the Heat with 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting including 3-of-7 from 3-point range. He tallied four rebounds and four assists. Josh Richardson contributed 21 points with five boards and three assists. Hassan Whiteside was the only other Miami player in double figures for scoring as he had 12 points plus a game-high 18 rebounds.
Wizards hope to take advantage of soft East
Washington has a good shot at a solid record and a decent playoff position this season simply due to playing in the Eastern Conference, the weaker of the two conferences by far once again this season. That fact has only increased with the departure of LeBron James from the Cavaliers to the Lakers. The Wizards will be led again this season by point guard John Wall after he averaged 19.4 points plus 9.6 assists and 3.7 rebounds. He’ll be joined in the backcourt by sharpshooter Bradley Beal (22.6 ppg, 4.5 apg, 4.4 rpg), while Otto Porter Jr. and new center Dwight Howard will also play major roles.
NBA Betting Trends
Miami
The Heat are 0-4 ATS after allowing 100 or more points in their previous game. Miami is 0-4 ATS in its last four games overall.
Washington
The Wizards are 2-6-1 ATS in the last nine meetings. Washington is 8-23-2 in its last 33 home games versus Miami.
Prediction:
Miami will be the fatigued team here with its second game in two days. After not looking so hot last night in Orlando, I don’t like the Heat’s chances here. Look for Washington to pull away in the second half and cover the spread.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON WIZARDS -5.5