When we last saw the Miami Heat, Andre Drummond was throwing up the peace sign on them and dashing toward the rim. Those would be the loudest points in what went on to be a 110-96 road win for the Brooklyn Nets.
However, a great deal has changed between these two teams since that smack in the face from Brooklyn, such as Drummond jumping ship for the Chicago Bulls this summer. In his place, Brooklyn added Ben Simmons and Joe Harris to its rotation.
On the other hand, the Heat lost Net kryptonite PJ Tucker to Philly. They lost Markieff Morris to the Nets themselves. Their only big offseason move came at the negotiating table, where they extended Tyler Herro earlier this week.
It’s just preseason, but both these teams plan on occupying the top of the Eastern Conference standings this coming season. Tonight should serve as an appetizer at the very least for the competitive basketball still to come.
Brooklyn Nets vs Miami Heat Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
The Nets come into this contest favored by a -3.5 point spread. Their moneyline odds sit at -165 and the game’s over/under is 218.5 points.
Kyrie Irving, who looked to be treating Monday’s game vs the Sixers almost like a regular season contest at times, will miss tonight’s game due to his wife having a child earlier this week. Given his impact and uncertainty for tonight, the three point spread seems a bit generous for the Nets, even with Miami set to play without Tyler Herro.
When it comes to preseason, the rule of thumb should be to always take the over. These games are reiterations of the All-Star game to a degree. Irving deserves a nod for his aggressive defense in Brooklyn’s prior game, but for the most part, star players usually have no interest in playing tough defense during these contests.
When those star players are out, players looking to make the roster usually occupy the floor. That “play well or lose your job” ideology often leads to aggressive offense and consequentially tons of fast break opportunities.
Brooklyn Nets vs Miami Heat Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
Despite sitting out the first game, Miami star Jimmy Butler seems like a full go tonight. Joe Harris will sit for rest alongside Irving. Steve Nash said that Royce O’Neale and Kessler Edwards will replace them.
Brooklyn Nets Starting Five:
- PG: Ben Simmons
- SG: Kessler Edwards
- SF: Kevin Durant
- PF: Royce O’Neale
- C: Nic Claxton
Miami Heat Starting Five:
- PG: Kyle Lowry
- SG: Max Strus
- SF: Jimmy Butler
- PF: Bam Adebayo
- C: Dewayne Dedmon
Brooklyn Nets vs Miami Heat Prediction
Preseason games are always a toss up. Given their lax nature, it always comes down to which team wants it more—and to be frank—nobody really ever wants to win a preseason contest.
However, Miami has time and time again proved itself as one of the best franchises at finding diamonds in the rough. They did so last year with Max Strus and Yurtseven just to name a few.
With preseason games built to feature these developmental players, Miami holds an advantage. This is not to say that Brooklyn does not have similar assets in Cam Thomas, Kessler Edwards, Day’Ron Sharpe, or even David Duke Jr., but Miami earns praise season in and season out for their scouting talents.
Strus, Yurtseven, and likely one or two key role players of the future will likely field big minutes tonight and make the Nets pay. Take Miami in this one, covering the spread, and the over.
Prediction: Brooklyn Nets 108, Miami Heat 120
Brooklyn Nets Up Next
Brooklyn will face arguably their biggest rival outside their division for their next preseason game—the Milwaukee Bucks. Although the game might not mean much on paper, it should carry a bit more flare than most other preseason games given the history between the two teams.
After that Brooklyn will duke it out with the Minnesota Timberwolves also on the road. That will offer the Nets their first look at this re-vamped Wolves team headlined by Rudy Gobert and backed by former Net D’Angelo Russell.