Nets vs. Heat Predictions, Odds, Preview

Apr. 18, 2021
by Michael Crosson
NBA Expert
VegasInsider.com

Eastern Conference NBA action will resume on Sunday afternoon with the Heat set to host the Nets during the second matchup on ESPN’s nationally televised slate.

So, VI is getting you ready with a variety of betting resources to help handicap all the weekend’s top contests.

Nets vs. Heat Betting Resources

Betting Odds - Nets vs. Heat

Line Movements

Subject to Change

  • Spread: Nets -3
  • Money-Line: Brooklyn -160, Miami +140
  • Total: 222

Brooklyn enters Sunday’s contest as a three-point favorite over the homestanding Heat – marking the fourth time Miami has been listed as an underdog across its last six matchups.

While the total for this event currently sits at OU 222, which is the fourth time across Brooklyn’s last five contests that the over-under for a game has been set below 230.


Kevin Durant and the Nets split a pair of matchups earlier this season at home against the Heat. (AP)

Nets vs. Heat Current Form-Last Game

Miami heads into Sunday’s contest riding a three-game losing streak on its current road trip – which includes losses to the Suns, Nuggets, and Timberwolves across that stretch.

The Heat’s most recent defat came in a matchup with Minnesota on Friday night, as Jimmy Butler went off for 30 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists during a disappointing loss to his former team.

On the other hand, the Nets head into Sunday boasting victories in four of their last six games – with Brooklyn’s only loss during that timeframe coming in matchups against Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Brooklyn’s most recent affair resulted in a win over the Hornets – as Kevin Durant, Joe Harris, and Landry Shamet all chipped in 20 or more points on the way to a 15-point victory for the Nets.

Nets vs. Heat Head-to-Head

  • Jan. 25, 2021 - Nets 98 vs. Heat 85, Brooklyn -7, Under 236.5
  • Jan. 23, 2021 - Nets 128 vs. Heat 124, Miami +8, Over 232

Brooklyn and Miami have split a pair of matchups during this year’s regular season – with the first of those contests going over the total set for Sunday’s affair, and the second staying well under that number.

The Nets dominated the pace in the first matchup between these teams, as Brooklyn and Miami combined for 252 points during a four-point victory for Durant and company.

The pace of play in the second matchup was dominated by Miami though, as these teams got caught up in a hard-fought defensive battle – but the Nets still ended up pulling away with a 13-point victory down the stretch.

(SU-Straight Up, ATS - Against the Spread, OU - Over-Under)

Brooklyn Nets Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

  • Overall: 38-18 SU, 28-28 ATS, 34-22 OU
  • Road: 15-11 SU, 14-12 ATS, 17-9 OU

Brooklyn has endured a revolving door of injury concerns throughout the course of this season, with the Nets current issues still being centered around the status of James Harden – as the former-MVP reportedly needs to get a few more practices under his belt before rejoining his team out on the court.

Betting the ‘over’ in Nets’ games has been one of the most consistent plays across the league this year – with the total going 'over' at a 34-22 clip in matchups containing Brooklyn so far this season.

That trend has gained steam recently too – considering the total has gone 'over' in four of the last five Nets’ games.

Miami Heat Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

  • Overall: 28-28 SU, 23-32-1 ATS, 27-29 OU
  • Home: 15-13 SU, 10-17-1 ATS, 15-13 OU

The Heat enter Sunday’s contest following losses in four of the last six games – with Miami’s only victories during that stretch coming against the Blazers and the banged-up Lakers.

Miami went into April as one of the most consistent under plays across the league – with the 'over' sitting at a 21-27 clip in matchups containing the Heat prior to the onset of the current month.

That trend has broken its consistency as of late though – considering the total has gone over in six of eight Heat games since the start of April.

Key Injuries

Brooklyn Nets

  • SG James Harden: Hamstring - Out
  • PG Chris Chiozza: Hand - Out

Miami Heat

  • SF Andre Iguodala: Hip - Questionable
  • SG Victor Oladipo: Knee - Out

Player Prop Best Bet

Kevin Durant – Over 2.5 Made Three-Pointers (+106)

After missing over a month of action with an injury, Durant heads into Brooklyn’s matchup against the Heat after finally gaining some momentum from long-range – having knocked down seven of 11 three-point attempts across his last two matchups.

I’ll back KD to stay hot here with three more field goals from beyond the arc.

Nets vs. Heat Prediction

The Nets head into Sunday’s contest after posting wins in eight of their last 11 games, with Brooklyn’s only losses across that stretch coming in matchups with the Sixers, Lakers, and Bulls.

While the Heat enter this event riding a three-game losing streak, which includes losses to Denver, Phoenix, and Minnesota during that span. I’ll lay the points with the Nets here, as Brooklyn’s efficiency from beyond the arc should propel them to their third victory over the Heat this season.

Score Prediction: Nets 116, Heat 108
Best Bet: Brooklyn -3