Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat, 12/20/18 NBA Predictions & Odds

Rockets vs. Heat Prediction

Will the Houston Rockets be able to continue their recent win streak when they go on the road to face the Miami Heat tonight at 8PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

577 Houston Rockets at 578 Miami Heat

Thursday, December 20, 2018

8PM ET – American Airlines Arena

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Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Rockets are favored on the road, as they are getting odds of -3.5 points against the Heat. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 209 points. The public betting for this game currently has 73 percent going on the Rockets on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.

Rockets on win streak

The Houston Rockets have won five straight following a 136-118 win over the Wizards last night. Houston is 4-0-1 against the spread in those five games. The Rockets are 16-14 on the season, 7-9 on the road, 13-16-1 against the spread and 17-13 with the over.

The Rockets are improving slowly on offense, now averaging 109.6 points per game on the season while shooting 45.2 percent from the field. Defensively, the Rockets are giving up 109 points per game, but opponents are shooting 47.7 percent against them. James Harden is leading the team with 31.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. Clint Capela is adding 17.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per contest.

Heat end long road trip

The Miami Heat ended a six-game road trip on Sunday with a 102-96 win at New Orleans. The Heat went 4-2 on the trip straight up and 5-1 against the spread. Miami is now 13-16 overall, 5-9 at home, 15-14 against the spread and 15-14 with the over.

The Heat are putting up 106.8 points per game on offense this season and shooting just 43.2 percent from the field. Defensively, Miami is giving up 107.7 points per game while holding opponents to 44.4 percent shooting. Goran Dragic will be out until February with a knee injury, but Justise Winslow could return from an ankle injury tonight. Josh Richardson has been leading the team with 18.6 points per game while Hassan Whiteside is adding 13.4 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. He also blocks nearly three shots per game.

NBA Betting Trends

Houston

The Rockets are just 2-6 against the spread in their last eight road games and 0-4 ATS in their last four road games against a team with a losing home record.

Miami

The Heat have covered the spread in six straight against Southwest opponents and are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a win.

Prediction:

Houston has been on a nice run, but most of the wins have come at home. The key will be if they can bring that success on the road. I think tonight could be trouble. They are on their third game in four nights and coming from Houston to Miami overnight. The Heat are well rested and could be getting some fresh legs back. Miami has actually been playing pretty well as of late as well and I think they will be up for the challenge of stopping Houston tonight.

NBA Prediction: Miami Heat +3.5