Heat vs. Nets NBA expert prediction and odds for MLK Day (Back the Nets)
Miami begins a road trip after winning three of four. Can the struggling Brooklyn Nets bounce back against the Heat?
Miami is a season-high seven games over .500 for the second time this year after winning three of four at home. The Heat beat up on the Magic and Hornets with its defense. Will that defense travel on the road at Barclays Center and will Jimmy Butler suit up for the first time this month?
Brooklyn evened its record at 15-15 on Dec. 26 but have been on a slide since, dropping seven of its last eight games, including the last two at home. Can the Nets recover against Miami before a west coast trip?
Here’s the betting preview for Monday night.
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Heat vs. Nets odds, spread and total
Heat vs. Nets how to watch
- Date: Monday, Jan. 15
- Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
- Venue: Barclays Center
- How to watch (TV): Bally Sports Sun
- Heat record: 23-16
- Nets record: 16-22
Heat vs. Nets injury reports
Miami Heat injury report
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (groin): out
- Kyle Lowry (hand): doubtful
- Kevin Love (knee): out
- Jimmy Butler (toe): questionable
Brooklyn Nets injury report
- No injuries to report
Heat vs. Nets key players to watch
Miami Heat
Duncan Robinson: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (groin) left Sunday’s game against Charlotte and is not traveling on the team’s road trip. That’s increased Robinson’s playing time over the last two games and the 29-year-old has taken advantage. Robinson had his first 20-point game since December in Miami’s win over Orlando Jan. 12, finishing with 23 points. On Sunday, he turned in 19 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds over 30 minutes in the Heat’s win over Charlotte.
Haywood Highsmith: The power forward is already averaging a career-high in points (6.5) and assists this season and could also see more time with Jaquez Jr. sidelined. He’s played 30-plus minutes in each of the last three games, combining for 33 points on 12-of-24 shooting and 15 rebounds. He had a season-high 19 points in Miami’s loss to Oklahoma City Jan. 10.
Brooklyn Nets
Mikal Bridges: The Villanova product is averaging 22.6 points per game in five January contests. He had 40-plus points for the third time this season in Brooklyn’s overtime loss to Portland Jan. 7, finishing with 42 points on 15-of-26 shooting. He followed that with 26 points and 6 rebounds in the loss to Cleveland in Paris. He’ll need a strong offensive showing Monday for the Nets against Miami’s stout defense while having to guard Miami’s Tyler Herro.
Heat vs. Nets prediction and pick
Injuries are mounting up for the Heat with Kevin Love, Kyle Lowry and Jaquez Jr. each out for this matchup in addition to Jimmy Butler’s status being up in the air. Miami also has a quick turnaround after beating Charlotte Sunday and the Heat are 1-3 ATS in back-to-backs this season.
Though Miami has been good on the road this season (11-9 SU and ATS), Brooklyn has been very profitable as a home favorite this season (8-2 ATS).
The Nets may have jet lag from their trip to France, but they haven’t played in four days and are the healthier team heading into Monday’s matchup. Lay the short number with Brooklyn.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change