NBA Predictions: Golden State Warriors vs. Miami Heat

Golden State Warriors vs. Miami Heat
Thursday, 1/2/14, 7:30 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Miami -4
Current Betting Line: Miami -4.5
Opening Total: 204.5
Current Total: 203.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Golden State Warriors have won their last six games

Golden State has won six games in a row, including a 94-81 victory over the Orlando Magic as six-point road favorites last time out, while going UNDER the betting total of 202. The Warriors have four probable starters averaging in double figures, with point guard Stephen Curry leading the charge at 22.9 points a contest, which is important to consider when making your NBA predictions. He’s never reached 20 in four match-ups with the Heat. Golden State is 0-4 SU and 2-2 ATS as road underdogs of 3.5 to 6 points this season, with the UNDER going 3-1 in that situation.

The Warriors have dropped nine of their last 16 meetings against the Heat, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines. Golden State has won 20 of its first 33 games this season, while it leads the NBA in the amount of games its played decided by four or fewer points—posting a 6-7 SU record in that situation. The franchise is in the midst of a season-long seven-game road trip—all against Eastern Conference opponents.

Miami has won back-to-back games, including a 97-94 victory over the Denver Nuggets as five-point road favorites last time out, while going UNDER the betting total of 202.5. The Heat are led by the play of forward LeBron James on both ends of the floor, as he’s averaging 25.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. The franchise is 14-2 SU at AmericanAirlines Arena, including a perfect 5-0 mark versus non-conference opponents. Miami is 10-1 SU and 7-4 ATS as home favorites of 3.5 to 6 points the last two-plus seasons, with the UNDER going 7-4 in that situation.

The Heat are outscoring opponents by seven points per game—mainly due to the fact of shooting 51.1 percent from the floor. Miami’s current 24-7 record ties its best start to a season in franchise history, which had been done three previous times. Center Chris Bosh has been playing some of his best basketball—averaging 23.8 points and 8.3 rebounds over his last four games.