NBA Predictions: Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs

Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs
Thursday, 3/6/14, 8:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: San Antonio -2.5
Current Betting Line: San Antonio -2.5
Opening Total: 207
Current Total: 209
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings in this series

Miami had its eight-game winning streak snapped last time out, as it dropped a 106-103 decision to the Houston Rockets as two-point road underdogs, while going OVER the betting total for a third consecutive contest. The Heat have three of five probable starters averaging in double figures, with forward LeBron James leading the way at 27.4 points a contest. The team is 19-11 SU on the road this season, including a 9-3 mark versus Western Conference opponents, which is important to consider when making your NBA predictions. Miami is 3-5 SUATS as road underdogs of three or fewer points the last two-plus seasons.

The Heat have won five-straight regular season games against the Spurs, including a 113-101 home win on Jan. 26, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines. Miami needs a much stronger performance from James than what he provided Tuesday as he scored just 22 points after a career-best 61-point performance the day before against Charlotte.

San Antonio has won four games in a row, including a 122-101 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers as 7.5-point road favorites last time out, while going OVER the betting total for a second consecutive contest. The Spurs have three of five probable starters averaging in double figures, with point guard Tony Parker leading the way in scoring 17.6 points a contest. The franchise is 21-8 SU at the AT&T Center, including a 9-3 mark versus Eastern Conference opponents. San Antonio is 7-2 SU and 6-2-1 ATS as home favorites of three or fewer points the last two-plus seasons.

The Spurs are one of only four teams to be ranked in the top-10 in offensive and defensive efficiency, while it ranks second in assists and field goal percentage. San Antonio has compiled a 26-1 SU record when out-rebounding its opponent this season, as it ranks 11th in the NBA in allowing opponents to grab just 42.1 boards per game.