NBA Basketball
2012-12-28 - Miami Heat at Detroit Pistons
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Friday 28 December 2012 - Tip Off 7:30pm
12:35am (British Time)
Preview
The Miami Heat (20-6) have begun getting hot and will look to carry on the momentum they have picked up, even though they will be missing Dwyane Wade in this one through suspension. Miami might be playing this game during a tough run, but they will be confident they can knock off the Detroit Pistons (9-22) who have struggled for much of the season.
Wade is missing as he was suspended for aiming a kick at Ramon Sessions in the Miami win over Charlotte, and Ray Allen is another player that could miss this game having been listed as questionable with a shoulder issue.
With both of these players missing, LeBron James will be given more responsibility in this one to provide the scoring for Miami. James is averaging 25.6 points per game this season and he will need to be at his best if the Heat are to win this game without 2 of their top 4 scorers. Miami are also looking to win their 3rd straight road game which would represent their longest run of this season.
Detroit may also be a little short-handed in this one as Tayshaun Prince is doubtful and his presence would be missed. The Pistons might have a losing record this season, but it says a lot that they have only been outscored by 2.2 points per game so far this year.
The Pistons have had a day off since pushing the Atlanta Hawks all the way before falling in overtime.
Head to Head
Miami have dominated the recent series, winning 7 straight games and going 12-1 in the last 13 in the series.
The Heat have won 7 straight games in Detroit and were last beaten at the Palace of Auburn Hills back in February 2009.
The Heat are 4-2 against the spread in their last 6 games here.
Prediction
I just feel LeBron James is going to put in a big game and the rest of the Miami Heat team will stick together and produce a big effort without Ray Allen and Dwyane Wade.
The Heat have also dominated the Pistons in recent meetings and I think they are beginning to play some of their best basketball. Therefore, I like Miami to take the win on the spread.
The Pick :
Detroit Pistons 88-96 Miami Heat
