NFL Pickwatch - Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat Player Props, Picks and Predictions

Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/20/2024 8:00 PM EST

We have your Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Oklahoma City Thunder hit the road to face the Miami Heat.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Oklahoma City Thunder -105 (ESPN BET) / Miami Heat -105 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: -1.0 - Oklahoma City Thunder -115 (DraftKings) / 1.5 - Miami Heat -120 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 215.5 - Under -110 (BetMGM) / 215.0 - Over -110 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 12/20/2024
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Kaseya Center (Miami, FL)
TV: NBA League Pass

Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends

On the road, the Oklahoma City Thunder have 10 wins and 3 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Oklahoma City Thunder have 1 wins and 0 losses this season.
This season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have hit 11 overs and 16 unders.

Miami Heat Betting Trends

At home, the Miami Heat have 8 wins and 4 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Miami Heat have 10 wins and 6 losses this season.
This season, the Miami Heat have hit 14 overs and 10 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat have faced off four times, with each team securing two victories. The games have been evenly split between home and away wins, with the visiting team winning twice and the home team also winning twice. In terms of betting outcomes, the Thunder have been more successful against the spread, covering in three of the four matchups, while the Heat have covered only once. The total points scored in these games have resulted in an even split between hitting the over and the under, with two games going over the set total and two games staying under.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on March 8, 2024, where the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious with a 107-100 win over the Miami Heat. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in the Thunder's win, scoring 37 points and making crucial baskets in the fourth quarter. The Heat's Jimmy Butler led his team with 20 points, contributing key plays in the final minutes. Jaime Jaquez Jr. also made a significant impact for Miami with 25 points. The Thunder shot 47.2% from the field compared to the Heat's 46.3%, and they narrowly out-rebounded Miami 45 to 43. Despite Miami leading by as much as 14 points in the first half, Oklahoma City managed to close the gap and take control in the second half.

In the January 10, 2024 matchup, the Thunder once again defeated the Heat, this time with a higher-scoring affair ending 128-120. Oklahoma City was favored in this game and covered the spread, while the total points exceeded the over-under line. The Thunder's shooting was particularly efficient, with a field goal percentage of 59.3% and a three-point percentage of 42.4%. The Heat, despite losing, had a strong performance from beyond the arc, making 15 of their 36 attempts. This game highlighted the Thunder's offensive capabilities, as they recorded 36 assists, showcasing their ability to move the ball effectively and find open shots.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently leading the Western Conference with a 21-5 record, are set to face the Miami Heat, who hold a 13-11 record and are positioned sixth in the Eastern Conference. This matchup at the Kaseya Center in Miami promises to be an intriguing clash of styles and strategies, with both teams bringing unique strengths to the court.

The Thunder are coming off a hard-fought victory against the Orlando Magic, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his scoring prowess with 35 points. Despite the absence of key players like Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams due to injuries, Oklahoma City has managed to maintain an impressive form, winning nine of their last ten games. Their ability to perform under pressure was evident in their recent win over Orlando, where they overcame a depleted Magic squad. The Thunder's road performance has been particularly noteworthy, boasting a 10-3 record away from home, which speaks to their resilience and adaptability.

On the other hand, the Miami Heat are looking to bounce back after a narrow overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons. Jimmy Butler, who has been a cornerstone for the Heat, delivered a stellar triple-double performance in that game, highlighting his importance to the team's success. Despite dealing with injuries earlier in the season, Butler appears to be in good form and will be a key player to watch against the Thunder. The Heat have been strong at home, with an 8-4 record, and will aim to leverage their home-court advantage to halt the Thunder's momentum.

Both teams have shown offensive capabilities, with the Thunder averaging 116.7 points over their last ten games and the Heat scoring 114.2 points in the same span. This sets the stage for a potentially high-scoring encounter, especially considering the Thunder's efficient shooting and the Heat's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The matchup will likely hinge on the performances of star players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Butler, as well as the supporting casts who have been stepping up in recent games.

As the Thunder continue their grueling road trip, fatigue could play a role, but their recent form suggests they are well-prepared to handle the challenge. Meanwhile, the Heat, with a few days of rest, will look to exploit any signs of weariness in their opponents. This game promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with playoff aspirations, each eager to assert their dominance and secure a crucial win.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat Pick: Total Points Over

As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the Miami Heat, the potential for a high-scoring affair is evident, making the over on the total points an enticing pick. Both teams have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in recent games, setting the stage for a dynamic matchup. The Thunder, leading the Western Conference with a 21-5 record, have been particularly impressive on the offensive end, averaging 116.7 points over their last ten games. This offensive prowess is spearheaded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 30.5 points per game and has consistently delivered high-scoring performances, including a 35-point outing against the Orlando Magic.

On the other side, the Miami Heat, with a 13-11 record, have also shown their ability to put up points, averaging 114.2 points in their last ten games. Jimmy Butler, fresh off a triple-double performance against the Detroit Pistons, remains a pivotal figure in Miami's offensive strategy. His ability to contribute across the board, coupled with the Heat's strong home record of 8-4, suggests that Miami will be able to keep pace with the Thunder's scoring.

Historically, matchups between these two teams have seen a fair share of high-scoring games. In their last encounter on January 10, 2024, the Thunder defeated the Heat 128-120, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. The Thunder's efficient shooting, highlighted by a 59.3% field goal percentage in that game, underscores their capability to score in bunches. Meanwhile, the Heat's proficiency from beyond the arc, as demonstrated by their 15 three-pointers in the same matchup, indicates their potential to contribute significantly to the total score.

Given the Thunder's recent form and the Heat's offensive potential, the conditions are ripe for another high-scoring contest. The Thunder's ability to perform on the road, coupled with the Heat's determination to bounce back from a narrow loss, further supports the likelihood of a game that exceeds the projected total points. As both teams aim to assert their dominance, expect a thrilling encounter that sees the scoreboard light up, making the over a compelling choice for this matchup.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat Top Player Prop Picks

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 5.5 Assists 100 (DraftKings)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a pivotal force for the Oklahoma City Thunder, consistently showcasing his ability to facilitate and score. Averaging 6.3 assists per game this season, Gilgeous-Alexander has been instrumental in orchestrating the Thunder's offense. His recent performances, including a 35-point game against the Orlando Magic, highlight his dual-threat capability, which often draws defensive attention and opens up opportunities for his teammates. Given the Thunder's efficient ball movement, as evidenced by their 36 assists in a previous high-scoring game against the Heat, Gilgeous-Alexander is well-positioned to exceed the 5.5 assists line. With Miami's defense focusing on containing his scoring, expect Gilgeous-Alexander to exploit passing lanes and distribute effectively, making the over on assists a strong play.

Jimmy Butler Over 4.5 Assists -110 (DraftKings)

Jimmy Butler's role as a playmaker for the Miami Heat has been crucial, especially in high-stakes matchups. Averaging 5.0 assists per game this season, Butler's ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates is a key component of Miami's offensive strategy. His recent triple-double performance against the Detroit Pistons underscores his all-around impact on the game. With the Thunder's defense likely to focus on limiting Butler's scoring, his propensity to find open teammates should be on full display. The Heat's need to bounce back from a recent loss and Butler's leadership on the court make the over on 4.5 assists a compelling choice, as he will be central to Miami's efforts to generate offense.

Bam Adebayo Over 15.5 Rebounds Assists -105 (DraftKings)

Bam Adebayo's versatility as a big man is a cornerstone of the Miami Heat's game plan. Averaging 10.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, Adebayo's ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game is undeniable. His recent performances have highlighted his capacity to dominate the boards and facilitate from the post, making him a dual threat. Against a Thunder team that has shown resilience on the road, Adebayo's presence will be crucial in controlling the paint and initiating fast breaks. With Miami's home-court advantage and Adebayo's consistent production, the over on 15.5 rebounds and assists is a strong proposition, as he will be pivotal in both securing rebounds and distributing the ball effectively.