The Miami Heat (35-26) travel to the Dallas Mavericks (34-28) on Thursday. This will be the second game of the regular season between these two sides. But in the first game, it wasn’t particularly close, as Minnesota beat Indiana by 18 points. Furthermore, the Timberwolves are tied for first in the Western Conference with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, the Pacers are one game behind the Miami Heat for an automatic spot in the NBA Playoffs.
Therefore, there is a lot to play for tonight in terms of seeding. Additionally, a couple of key injury updates may impact how this game plays out. Also, the latest injury news may explain why the spread is where it’s at. Regardless, this should be a good game, as both sides are coming off a win.
However, do you see the Pacers defending their home court against the Timberwolves tonight?
Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Dallas | -4.5
-115 |
O 231.5
-108 |
-198 |
| Miami | +4.5
-105 |
U 231.5
-112 |
+164 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat Game Details
- Fixture: Miami @ Dallas
- Date and Time: March 7, 2024 @ 7:30 pm EST
- Location: American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX
Apex Tale of the Tape
|
Dallas Mavericks |
vs. |
Miami Heat |
| 34-28 | Record | 35-26 |
| 118.7 | Points Per Game | 110.8 |
| 48.0 | FG% | 46.5 |
| 37.3 | 3PT% | 37.5 |
| 42.2 | Rebounds Per Game | 42.0 |
| 118.3 | Points Allowed Per Game | 109.9 |
| 48.4 | Defensive FG% | 47.0 |
| 37.1 | Defensive 3PT% | 36.1 |
| 76.4 | Defensive FT% | 77.2 |
| 45.5 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 42.9 |
| 1-4 | Last 5 W-L | 4-1 |
| 102.8 | Team Pace |
99.1 |
Key Stats
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is looking to just get back in form. Although they have a great offensive team, their defense lets them down more often than not. Firstly, Luka Doncic is dealing with an ankle injury and is on the injury report. However, he’s expected to play, as he is listed as probable. Although he’s not likely to go for 39 points again like you did against the Pacers, he should still be able to put up a lot of points.
Additionally, Kyrie Irving remains one of the better second-scoring options in the NBA. But he only had 23 points off of 19 shots in that same game. But PJ Washington had 20 points off of four of eight shots from three-point range. However, allowing, on average, 118.3 points per game is too much. Especially as the Dallas Mavericks will often give up cheap points defensively.
Miami Heat
Meanwhile, yes, Miami is doing it yet again. Even in what looks to be an off-year, they are still in the middle of a playoff hunt, and any team would fear facing them in the playoffs. Although Jimmy Butler had to take a couple of games off, he has come back since then and continues to be the unquestioned leader of this team. Butler is averaging 21.9 points on the season, and honestly, it looks like he’s getting stronger as the Miami Heat head toward the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Kevin Love and Tyler Herro are not making the trip and are expected to make their return next week. Meanwhile, Jamie Jacques Jr. is putting on good performances for the rookie. He’s averaged double digits in three of his last five games and looks to do so again tonight. Additionally, Patty Mills was recently signed by the Miami Heat. Although he may not play a big role at this point in his career, look for him to contribute tonight against the Dallas Mavericks.
Game Prediction
This game should favor the roadside. Although Dallas is one of the greatest scoring teams in the NBA, their weaknesses are the strengths of this Miami Heat side. Furthermore, the Heat are unquestionably in better form. Although Doncic could go for 40 or more points tonight, Dallas is liable to give up too many points on the other end. In the worst-case scenario, it will be a close game. However, if you want to play tonight safe, take the four and a half points, but I’m comfortable backing the underdogs here on the MoneyLine.
Moreover, the Heat are playing better and appear to be united on all fronts at the moment. While Dallas could be dangerous come playoff time, they are currently on a bad three-game losing streak. Therefore, the Miami Heat will win outright tonight.
Final Pick
Miami Heat MoneyLine
About the Author
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