Rockets vs. Heat: 3 Best Bets
After coming off a home win against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Houston Rockets will hit the road to take on the Miami Heat. Both teams will be well-rested; Houston hasn’t played since Saturday and Miami has been off since Friday, so fresh rosters will be expected.
Miami is coming off a loss to the Phoenix Suns but is hoping that a return to Kaseya Center will give them some momentum.
Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston will be without Victor Oladipo and Dillon Brooks, with Tari Eason listed as questionable. Caleb Martin is doubtful for the Heat, and Jimmy Butler and Dru Smith are out.
Keep it posted here for our three best bets, powered by SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Heat -3.5 (-118)/Rockets +3.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Heat (-188)/Rockets (+140)
Over/under: 218.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Fred VanVleet OVER 16.5 points (-133)
With Bam Adebayo down low for Miami, perimeter points will be all-important for Houston. Fred VanVleet is averaging 18 points over his last five games and has been shooting an insane 54 percent on more than eight attempts per night. If he keeps taking threes, there’s no reason for him to not light up former teammate Kyle Lowry, who has never been an elite defender.
Opponent pick: Tyler Herro OVER 21.3 points (-133)
Since coming back from injury nine games ago, Herro has been averaging 22 points and shooting 42 percent from deep. Without Dillon Brooks to help guard him, Herro will get plenty of open looks, and he makes them at a very high clip. In 16 full games this season, he has only scored below 20 points three times, and that shouldn’t change tonight. Take Herro’s over.
Team pick: Rockets to win (+140)
Finally, a bet with a positive return! Without Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro will have to carry Miami’s offense. Adebayo will certainly give Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun a run for their money, but Herro is not a stout defender so Houston’s backcourt should be able to outshine Miami’s, all while a battle is going on under the rim.
