Suns vs Heat Prediction
Suns vs Heat: The Phoneix Suns (28-13) travel to Miami for a matchup with the defending Eastern Conference champion Heat (22-21). Phoenix enters this game-winning eight of their last 10 games and is positioned nicely as the No. 2 seed in the West.
Miami enters this game on a losing streak and has one of the best teams in the league coming in fully loaded. Suns forward Jae Crowder returns to Miami for the first time since signing with Phoenix in free agency.
Big Men Collide
The Suns enter Tuesday’s game matching up favorable to the Heat. Something that usually sets the Heat apart from most teams is center Bam Adebayo who seemingly can do just about anything.
Adebayo comes into this game averaging 19.2 points per game along with 9.5 rebounds per game, but he will be facing off with fellow young center Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton.
Similar to Adebayo, Ayton does an exceptional job scoring and rebounding. Ayton is averaging 14.5 points per game to go along with 10.9 rebounds per game. No matter what this should be a very good matchup of two of the league’s best young big men.
There will be a very good competition for rebounds with centers like these two guys facing off. On the season Phoenix averages 43.4 rebounds per game compared to Miami’s 42.8.
Can Jimmy Butler Slow Down D-Book?
One of the strengths of the Miami Heat teams is their ability to defend at a high level. With small forward Jimmy Butler known as one of the better defenders in the league, it will be interesting to see if the Heat matchup Butler on Suns guard Devin Booker to try and slow down the star shooter.
Booker enters the game averaging 25.2 points per game and is just one of many different scoring options the Suns have.
With the potential absence of guard Goran Dragic who is listed as questionable with a back injury, the Heat might need to shuffle around their rotation to defend Phoenix. With players like guard Chirs Paul and Mikal Bridges complementing Booker the Heat will have their hands full on defense.
Last Five Games
Suns (3-2)
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the most efficient teams in the entire league when it comes to winning games that they are expected to win. Phoenix is on a two-game winning streak but is coming off of two bad losses, one to the Timberwolves and a loss to the Pacers.
It will be important for Phoenix to continue to win games against non-playoff teams and compete with playoff contenders to stay as a high seed in the West.
Heat (2-3)
The Miami Heat continue to stay in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference. Miami is on a three-game losing streak to teams that are currently on the outside looking in on the playoffs. Miami needs to turn things around fast.
Injuries
Suns
No Injuries
Heat
PF Udonis Haslem – Out
G Avery Bradley – Out (calf)
G Goran Dragic – Questionable (back)
Odds
Not available at this time.
Prediction: Suns spread
When evaluating this matchup and the play from both teams entering Tuesday’s game the suns have a clear advantage. With Goran Dragic questionable for this game it may make the matchups even more favorable for the Suns.
Dragic is averaging 13.9 points per game this season and creates plenty of offense for the Heat. Phoenix is one of the best teams this season and they will continue to show that in Miami.
Now the spread for this game is not out yet, but I would imagine the Suns will be a decent favorite. Take Phoenix against the spread.
