The Washington Wizards get their season going against the Miami Heat (0-1) at Capital One Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 18, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Seattle.
Miami Heat at Washington Wizards Betting Prediction
In the Heat’s last outing, they were defeated by the Orlando Magic, 104-101. Orlando’s 10.0 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Miami, who had a rate of 13.0. Miami’s Hassan Whiteside had a solid outing, contributing 12 points and 18 rebounds.
Last season, Washington finished the regular season with a record of 43-39, which earned them the eight seed in the Eastern Conference. They fell in the First Round to the Toronto Raptors in six games.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Miami. Since the 2017-18 season, Miami ranks 18th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.0 percent), while the gambling defense of Washington forced the sixth-most turnovers in the NBA (14.5 percent).
The Heat have had records of 44-39 straight up (SU) and 49-33 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Miami games since last season with 44 unders compared to 38 overs.
The Wizards, meanwhile, were 43-39 SU and 47-47-1 ATS last season. Of the Wizards’ 95 games last year, 57 finished over the O/U total.
These two teams split four games last season. In the most recent game, the Heat won 129-102. The Heat’s 9.3 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Wizards, who had a mark of 14.0.
Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards Betting Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Miami is 27-6 when they allow under 100 points, while Washington is 20-4.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Wizards are 42-22 and the Heat are 33-22.
Washington ranks 13th in fast break points per game (12.0) while Miami ranks 26th (9.6).
The Wizards rank 14th in second chance points per game (12.5) while the Heat rank 26th (11.0).
Washington ranks fourth in assists per game (25.1) while Miami ranks 16th (22.7).
The Heat average 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Wizards rank 15th in blocks allowed per game (4.8).
Washington ranks sixth in points off turnovers per game (17.1) while Miami ranks 15th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.0).
The Heat rank 14th in points in the paint per game (44.6) while the Wizards rank 20th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.7).
Washington averages 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Miami ranks 14th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
The Heat rank 10th in three pointers attempted per game (30.4) while the Wizards rank 13th in three pointers allowed per game (29.0).
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