Heat vs Nets Prediction & Odds: Miami Looks For Bounce-Back Win

The Miami Heat (41-22 SU, 36-26-1 ATS) will look to bounce back from a tough loss as they visit the Brooklyn Nets (32-31, 24-37-2) on Thursday at Barclays Center. The Heat are 4-1 in their last five contests while the Nets are 1-4 in their last five. Can Miami take advantage of a reeling Brooklyn squad? Find out in our Heat vs Nets prediction.

Heat vs Nets Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

The Heat opened as a 6.5-point favorite on the road with the total set at 219.5 points. The OVER is 12-6 in Miami’s last 18 games and 9-2 in Brooklyn’s last 11 outings. Miami has won three straight meetings against Brooklyn while the Nets have just three wins over their last 18 games, making the Heat an obvious choice in your Heat vs Nets prediction.

Get the best Heat vs Nets odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Heat Blow Lead, Lose Heartbreaker To Bucks

The Heat lost in heartbreaking fashion Tuesday as they fell 120-119 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Miami was up by as many as 14 points midway through the fourth quarter and held a four-point lead with under 20 seconds to play until a costly turnover by Tyler Herro led to a three-pointer from Khris Middleton.

Jrue Holiday got the last shot of the game, dropping a layup with just 1.9 seconds on the clock to give the Bucks the win. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points while Herro topped the Heat with 30 points.

Despite the disappointing loss, Miami is still 9-2 over its last 11 games, sitting comfortably in first place in the Eastern Conference.

Kyle Lowry (personal) is questionable for Thursday’s matchup while Markieff Morris (neck) is out.

Durant Likely To Return To Nets Lineup Thursday

The Nets lost their second in a row to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, falling 109-108. Holding a 96-90 lead with 5:25 to play, the Nets gave up 10 straight points to the Raptors, who held on and never looked back. Gary Trent Jr. scored 24 points to lead Toronto while James Johnson topped Brooklyn with 19 points. Seth Curry and LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 and 16 points respectively for the Nets.

Brooklyn will finally be getting some much-needed good news on Thursday as Kevin Durant is listed as probable. The star forward has not played since January 15 when he went down with a knee injury. With the Nets clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, they’ll need Durant to come back and contribute in midseason form.

Kyrie Irving (eligibility) is out while Andre Drummond (knee) is probable.

Heat vs Nets Pick & Insights

Heat: Keys To Cover

With the likely return of Durant, the Heat unfortunately won’t get to play against the depleted Nets lineup that most teams have seen for the past six weeks. However, Miami is the top team in the East for a reason – they have a deep offensive lineup and a top-five defense in the NBA (104.7 points against per game). Even with Durant back, the Heat should still be the clear favorite in this one.

Nets: Keys To Cover

With Irving still ineligible to play at home, Durant will be expected to shoulder most of the load offensively should he make his return. It’s hard to predict just how effective Durant will be in his first game in six weeks, but he’ll have to be great if the Nets are going to pull off the upset.

Odds Shark’s Computer Heat vs Nets Prediction: Heat -3.5

Check out more of Odds Shark’s signature NBA and NCAAB computer picks, plus our favorite sportsbooks that serve basketball customers.

See Odds Shark’s Best NBA Betting Sites