Can the Heat still finish sixth?
It’s getting into the hot phase in the NBA and one or the other team will burn their fingers before the actual playoffs. The Heat in particular are in danger of missing out on the direct playoff spot and have to attack it with all their might in our Heat vs Mavericks betting tip.
They are currently just one defeat behind the Pacers in the ominous sixth spot. If they win against Dallas, two easier home games against the Raptors will follow. So everything is still possible for the men from Florida
The Mavs’ starting position is much better, as they are currently in fifth place with a three-win lead over the Suns. So we wouldn’t be surprised if Doncic and Irving see at least a little less playing time in the next three games.
Therefore, our prediction for Heat vs. Mavericks is a home win for the Heat, who still have a little more at stake than the Mavs. In addition, Jimmy Butler and Co. will certainly want to get themselves into playoff shape. Something the Mavs have already managed to do in recent weeks
The first tip-off of this important duel for the playoffs is at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday night in Miami.
Miami Heat – stats & current form
The race in the East truly resembles a thriller. There is only a two-win difference between fourth place, which would mean home court in the first playoff round, and eighth place, where the Heat are. That means that a lot is still possible for Miami in the final spurt.
However, this game at home against Dallas is all-important. If they win that one, they’ll have two easier home games against the relegated Raptors and could finish the season with a 47-35 record
It’s all about the NBA playoffs
With this record, they would still have a good chance of finishing in the top six, which would give them another advantage. They would definitely avoid the Celtics and the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs.
So there’s a lot at stake – more than for the Mavs, who are almost safely parked in fifth place. Especially towards the end of an NBA season, it’s often the team with more at stake that wins, as even 5% more effort is crucial.
What’s more, we just saw last night with Giannis how quickly things can go and one of the key players can still suffer a stupid injury
Tips on Miami a good option
The bookmakers, however, see the Mavs’ strong series as a reason to have them clearly ahead in Miami as well. For us, this is a good reason, as the odds on Miami are really increasing for Heat vs. Mavs. They are currently at 3.05, which we can definitely take advantage of.
So a bet on the Heat is also our clear betting recommendation for Miami vs. Dallas, because if this game goes pear-shaped for Miami, they can still rest their stars in one of the following home games against the Raptors. On Wednesday, however, they will leave their hearts on the court once again.
Key Players:
- PG: Terry Rozier
- SG: Duncan Robinson
- SF: Jimmy Butler
- PF: Nicola Jovic
- C: Bam Adebayo
Dallas Mavericks – Statistics & current form
The Dallas Mavericks are a contender this season, there’s no way around it. However, there is a but here too. Because currently, they would first face the Clippers away from home in the first playoff round. One of the toughest draws possible for round one.
So they definitely have to maintain their form until it starts. That’s difficult with the tough schedule. They have another back-to-back now, traveling straight from Charlotte to Miami. We wouldn’t be surprised if Doncic in particular plays a few minutes less here
Stats clearly divided
As far as the conditions against Miami are concerned, we have a clear picture here. The Heat are much stronger defensively (3.5 points less per game), but the Mavs dominate offensively. They score 8.6 points more per game than the men from Florida.
However, if Doncic or Irving get a little less playing time, that will change completely, as the two have scored the majority of the Mavs’ points recently. Against the Rockets in the last home game, they even scored 85 points together
Mavs difficult to assess
So Dallas is not so easy to predict for the remaining three games, as they will most likely not start all three games with the full squad. For us, however, it seems more likely that they will reduce their minutes now and then play against the Thunder with their full squad again.
After all, they could also face them in the postseason. This means that the odds on the Mavericks are not so good for Miami against Dallas, especially since they are still considered the clear favorites. From our point of view, this is questionable in any case.
Key Players:
- PG: Luca Doncic
- SG: Kyrie Irving
- SF: Josh Green
- PF: P.J. Washington
- C: Daniel Gafford
Miami Heat – Dallas Mavericks head-to-head / H2H record
The three duels in the past two seasons went to the home team. Since they have played twice in Dallas, the Mavs are 2:1 in their favor, although they lost the game in Miami last year by 122-129.
However, the Heat’s defense is much better this season than it was back then, which makes such an explosion of points unlikely. Since Dallas can also put up top defensive games time and again, under-scoring is also an exciting betting alternative in this matchup.
All in all, a bet on the Heat is our preferred betting option for Miami against Dallas, as they are playing at home and a lot will be decided for them in this game
Miami Heat – Dallas Mavericks betting tip
Yes, the Mavs have won nine of their last ten games, but even then there were a few thrillers that they could easily have lost. Now in Miami it could be that time again, even if they are the clear favorites.
This favorite status definitely helps us to get top odds. For example, a bet on Miami with 3.05 odds points is always worth a bet on Heat vs. Mavs. We also consider this option to be even more promising than betting on fewer points
As an alternative bet, we have a player bet on Bam Adebayo in this matchup. He has already racked up 42 double-doubles this season and should be able to do so again at home against the Mavericks.
