Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat

Betting Odds

Miami (-6)
Game Total Line:(202.5)
(wagering lines available at Sportsbook.com)

The Thunder (43-23, 35-31 ATS) have won seven of their past eight games, including a four-game winning streak. Oklahoma City has been nearly as good to NBA bettors, covering four consecutive games and going 6-2 against the spread over its last eight games. This will be the stiffest challenge in a while, though, as Oklahoma has been tearing through the basement of the East (beating the 76ers, Pistons, Cavs and Wizards during the streak).

Oklahoma got a huge boost from Kendrick Perkins in Monday’s 116-89 demolition of Washington. The Thunder traded for Perkins a few weeks ago, but he hasn’t been able to get onto the court thanks to a knee injury. The former Boston Celtic finally came back from a knee injury, and he delivered six points and nine rebounds in about 20 minutes of play.

Jeff Green was shipped out to acquire Perkins, and some observers wondered how his scoring might be replaced. James Harden stepped up admirably in that department. The second-year guard has scored in double figures in 17 of his last 18 games; he’s hitting 51.6 percent of his shots over his past eight games while averaging 18.0 points in that span.

The Heat (46-21, 31-35-1 ATS) have completely erased the stink of a recent five-game losing streak (not to mention an 0-for-7 run against the spread). Miami has won three straight games—covering all three on NBA odds—and done so in impressive fashion. The Heat beat the Lakers 94-88 last week before crushing Memphis 118-85 on Saturday and San Antonio 110-80 on Monday.

One obvious trend out of the run is stalwart defense. None of those teams were able to crack 90 points against Miami and, it should be noted, when the Heat were cruising earlier this season it was because of defense.

Of course, that doesn’t mean the Big Three took the night off offensively. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined for 80 points against the overwhelmed Spurs, with Bosh leading the way with 30 points. Bosh has upped his game; he’s hit 27 of his past 44 field goals (61 percent) while averaging 24.0 points and 10.3 rebounds over his last three games.

Miami edged the Thunder 108-103 in Oklahoma City when they met in late January. The Heat covered as a one-point underdog. The game went over the total, as it has in eight of the past 10 times these teams have played. BetUS.com has set the total for Wednesday’s game at 202.5 points.

Point Spread Pick

Take the Over 202.5 at 5Dimes.com and get reduced juice every day!