Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets 12/29/24 – Freshly returned from their road trip, Miami stands at 14-15 win-loss ratio as they head into Sunday’s game against Houston who have a 15-12 record this game at Toyota Center. When analyzing the season, both teams have had a rough journey, but if we look at the standings now, it is emission competition for both teams.
| When: | Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Toyota Center |
| TV: | SCHN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Opposite of our low-scoring game in Orlando, this one was more of an offensive battle with plenty of runs & chances on both sides @CoupNBA’s got the takeaways from today’s game – https://t.co/rmZX6lc0p0 pic.twitter.com/NbsplNOH4f
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 29, 2024
The Rockets step into the contest as preferred side according to their -274 moneyline odds and 6.5 points on the spread. Considering the Heat’s poor away record and their history against the Rocket’s physical style of play, there might be a tendency of Rockets’ inclined punters to place bets on the Rockets. However, Miamis successful record ATS against Houston could tempt some to back the Heat by taking the points.
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | +6.5 (-111) | Over 215.5 (-111) | +229 |  |
| Rockets | -6.5 (-111) | Under 215.5 (-111) | -274 | |
| ||||
Tyler Herro (PG) vs. Jalen Green (SG)
Tyler Herro’s prowess becomes clear when assessing his statistics. He has averaged 23.8 points and five assists as a Miami player during the regular season. He will have to be ready to play his role as a scorer and a playmaker to break Houston’s defensive stronghold. The concern, however, is Tyler Herro’s turnover rate, which stands at 2.5 per game, which can be a concern against a fast team like Houston.
Jalen Green, however, is becoming a stellar addition for the Rockets. Averaging 19.3 points a game with a stronger defensive presence, Green will become increasingly instrumental for Houston in a potential victory against Miami. Particularly, how he can rattle Miami’s offensive rhythm will be key.
Tyler Herro and Jalen Green are two emerging NBA stars, and their two-way battle is bound to be thrilling as both are high-energy players. Herro’s offensive abilities were on show in Miami’s win against Green’s, Matthew’s, Powell’s, and Dorsey’s defensive and athleticism abilities, which were also on full display. This matchup may very well affect the game’s pace and intensity.
Heat’s Recent Form: Cooling Down or Heating Up?
As for the last games played by the Miami Heat, their performance has been quite shaky with one of the latest games being a win over Orlando (89-88) but another loss against Atlanta (110-120). These particular matches are revealing certain stability problems, which, above all, relate to the termination of the games. As for the Heat’s ability to bounce back from their losses, it will be put to the test as they will be going up against the Rockets who are strong at home.
Rockets’ Rocketing Performances
The Houston Rockets are really coming together as a team and recently beat New Orleans (128-111) in a display of good teamwork and coordination. In the last 12 games played in the Toyota Center, the Rockets have managed to win 10 games, which gives them such great home support. Additionally, their overall average points per game of 113.4 means their melting era will come as they play the Heat and get that form rolling.
Trends
Miami Heat Betting Trends
Miami are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games.
Miami are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
Miami are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games against Houston.
Miami are 8-0 SU in their last 8 games against Houston.
Miami are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games on the road.
Houston Rockets Betting Trends
Houston are 13-7 ATS in their last 20 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games.
Houston are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston’s last 6 games against Miami.
Houston are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games at home.
Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets Betting Prediction
Considering both teams’ recent performances and past records, the Rockets stand a good chance to win, particularly with the home advantage. But Houston should also not forget that Miami has a tendency to beat them, which will make them a dangerous yet enticing underdog bet.
Since the Rockets are expected to win their game, it would not be surprising if people placed wagers on them to cover the spread. But the Heat’s ATS record against Houston does not look great. Focusing on player statistics such as Herro points or Green assists may give good returns for those looking into prop bets. Due to the recent patterns in scoring for both teams, the total points may go OVER.
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Score Prediction: Rockets 115, Heat 108.
