San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat

Betting Odds

Miami (-4)
Game Total Line:(198.5)
(wagering lines available at Sportsbook.com)

The Heat (45-21, 30-35-1 ATS) were getting mocked and lambasted during their recent five-game losing streak, but the team has bounced back very impressively over the past few days. Miami edged the Lakers 94-88 last Thursday and absolutely crushed a good Grizzlies team 118-85 on Saturday. The Heat covered both times, ending a 0-7 run against the spread.

While Miami was spiraling out of control, Chris Bosh found himself carrying a brunt of the criticism. He’s responded very well over his last two games. Bosh dropped 24 points and nine rebounds on the Lakers and posted 18 points and 10 boards against Memphis. He’s shooting very well, going 17-for-28 in his last two outings. If Bosh can sustain that level of play, the Heat are infinitely more dangerous.

Some more help up front would also make the team more dangerous, and injuries are playing a role on that front. Forward Udonis Haslem hasn’t played since No. 20 thanks to a torn ligament in his foot, but he’s been shooting jumpers lately. Haslem is hoping to return later this month. Meanwhile, center Zydrunas Ilgauskas missed the Grizzlies game after stepping on a nail. Ilgauskas has a foot infection and will likely miss Monday’s game.

In the meantime, it’ll be more of the usual in Miami—LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Wade was particularly impressive against Memphis, as he was active at both ends of the court. D-Wade scored 28 points and dished out nine assists, but he also finished with five rebounds, five blocked shots and three steals.

The Spurs (54-12, 37-27-2 ATS) continue plugging away—at least straight up. San Antonio has won three consecutive games, but the team hasn’t been very kind to bettors lately; although it covered in a 115-107 win over Houston on Saturday, San Antonio is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games.

San Antonio has been piling up points lately, averaging 113.6 points over its last five victories. The attack is one of the NBA’s most balanced. Five different players are averaging double figures this season, and eight different Spurs hit the benchmark against Houston on Saturday.

Tony Parker took the lead with 21 points while adding six assists. With so many options to choose from, slowing down San Antonio has proven nearly impossible for opponents—there’s no one scorer to shutdown and cut off the offense.

The Spurs have won eight of their last 10 meetings with the Heat, including a 6-4 run against the spread. Just one of those came in the “Big Three” era of James, Wade and Bosh, however—a 125-95 Spurs victory on March 3. The total went over in that matchup, the first time it had in seven games between San Antonio and Miami. BetED.com has set the total for Monday’s game at 198.5 points.

Point Spread Pick

The Spurs have been dominate in this series winning the last 4 straight up and ATS. Sure the Heat are a different team now, but the game on March 4th was a statement to how much better San Antonio is (125-95). The points are a gift.
Take the Spurs +4 at 5Dimes.com and get reduced juice every day!