Phoenix Suns vs Miami Heat: Analysis and Prediction – Phoenix Suns will host Miami in the NBA game on Friday night.
Phoenix Suns vs Miami Heat Odds
Phoenix Suns Team News
When Bradley Beal signed during the summer, everyone thought that the Phoenix Suns would be a dominant force in the Western Conference. Half a year later, they stand at 18-16 and are outside the playoff picture. In their last game, they lost at home to the Los Angeles Clippers.
In that loss to the Clippers, Kevin Durant did not play for the Suns. Throughout the season, it has been rare for Durant, Beal and Booker to play several consecutive games together. One of the three is constantly injured, disrupting their plans. Given their significant contracts, it was not expected that this team would have particular depth. The starting lineup is excellent, but the rest of the roster is modest. If the health situation does not improve in the second half of the season, it will be challenging for them to secure a top 4 spot in the Western Conference.
Durant’s injury is not too serious, so there is a possibility that he will be on the court in this game. If that is the case, the Phoenix Suns will be significant favorites for win, especially in this situation when the Miami Heat is likely to be without Jimmy Butler again.
Miami Heat Team News
The Miami Heat had a slower start to the season, but that is not unusual for them. They are known for progressing through the season and playing their best basketball in the spring. They have triumphed five times in their last seven games, bringing them to a record of 20-14.
Despite playing in the NBA Finals last season, the Heat made some changes during the summer. Some key rotation members like Max Strus and Gabe Vincent left, and Duncan Robinson now has a larger role. Josh Richardson, who started his career with the Heat, is also back. This team does not seem weaker at all. Jimmy Butler has had some injury issues lately, but they can still win without him, especially when Bam Adebayo is performing at the level he has been in the last few months. Rookie Jaime Jaquez also provides excellent minutes for head coach Erik Spoelstra.
The Miami Heat went through a thrilling play-in situation last season, narrowly missing the playoffs at all. Now they want to avoid thinking about that and securing home-court advantage in the first round would be great. The path there goes through victories in such road games in the west.
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Phoenix Suns vs Miami Heat H2H
Last season, the Miami Heat won both games against the Phoenix Suns.
Absences and Injuries
Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler are questionable for this game, with the Phoenix Suns’ superstar having a better chance of being on the court than the Miami Heat’s superstar. Damion Lee will definitely be out for the hosts, while the Heat will undoubtedly be without Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith when they come to Arizona.
Phoenix Suns vs Miami Heat Prediction
Even if Kevin Durant is not on the court for this game, the Phoenix Suns still have the quality to perform well at home. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have more than enough points in their hands to maintain offensive production, and if Jusuf Nurkic performs decently in the paint, the hosts will have a better chance of victory.
Tip-off Time: Saturday, 06.01.2024, 03:00 CET
Prediction: Phoenix Suns -3.5
Odds: 1.90
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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