The Phoenix Suns will face the Miami Heat on Saturday night, with all eyes on South Beach as we dive into the NBA odds series and share a Suns-Heat prediction and pick.
The Suns hold a 40-32 advantage in the all-time head-to-head series. Recently, they narrowly defeated the Heat 115-112 on November 6, 2024, at the Footprint Center. Additionally, the Suns have been dominant in this matchup, going 7-3 in the last 10 games and 4-1 in their previous five visits to Miami.
However, the Suns’ offense faces a significant setback as Kevin Durant is sidelined with an ankle injury, missing this game and potentially others. This absence places the Suns in a tough spot against a Heat team that is finding its rhythm.
Devin Booker will need to lead the way, as he did against the Spurs. He’s currently averaging 25.1 points per game while shooting 43.8% from the field. The Suns also require a strong showing from Bradley Beal, who is contributing 18 points per game on 50.3% shooting but struggling from beyond the arc at 38.5%. Beal has also been hampered by a nagging calf injury. Role players like Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen, and Royce O’Neale must step up, especially with Durant’s absence adding more pressure on the supporting cast to deliver offensively.
Statistically, the Suns rank 13th in points, 11th in field-goal percentage, and ninth in three-point shooting. However, their free-throw consistency (14th) and rebounding (15th) leave room for improvement. The team excels in ball security, ranking eighth in turnovers, but their defense has been hit-or-miss, sitting at 17th in blocked shots.
To cover the spread, the Suns must capitalize on their shooting opportunities while relying on Booker and Beal to pace the offense. Additionally, tightening their defense and limiting Miami’s scoring chances will be crucial.
Meanwhile, the Heat have had a lackluster season but are riding high after a 41-point demolition of the Lakers earlier this week. It was their best offensive and defensive performance of the season, suggesting they may be hitting their stride at just the right time.
