NBA Basketball
2011-02-24 - Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Thursday 24 February 2011 - Tip-Off 8pm ET
1am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Chicago Bulls (38-17) did look like they were looking ahead to this game in their defeat to the Toronto Raptors last night. The Bulls disappointing defense was a real factor in allowing the Raptors to do what they liked, although the team was boosted by the return of Joakim Noah.
Now the Bulls have a chance to make a real statement as they take on the Miami Heat (42-15), a team that has won 11 of 12 games and only lost to the Boston Celtics in that stretch.
This will be the first time this season that the teams will meet with what looks like their strongest 5 starters all being available. The Bulls won the first meeting this season when Joakim Noah was unavailable for them and the Heat were missing LeBron James while Chris Bosh left the game early.
Chicago allowed 118 points last night, the 2nd most they have allowed all season, but will feel confident in front of their own fans after winning 25 of the first 29 games on that court. They will look to Derrick Rose to continue his good run- Rose is averaging 30 points per game over his last 6 and also scored 42 while leading the Bulls to a win over the San Antonio Spurs here last week.
This game is the beginning of a tough stretch of games for the Heat who will play 12 of the next 13 games against teams in the Play Off picture this season. This will be a good test for Eric Spoelstra and his team who are 1-6 this season against the elite teams of Boston, Chicago, San Antonio, Dallas and the LA Lakers.
Head to Head
Miami have won 7 of the last 10 meetings between the teams in the series. However, they have won just 1 of their last 4 visits to the Windy City.
Chicago are 18-9-2 against the spread at home this season, Miami are 18-12-1 on the road.
The Bulls are 7-6-1 against the spread on back to back nights play, Miami are 16-11-1 when having 1 days rest between games.
Other Interesting Notes
Chicago are 20-8 against the spread in their last 28 games following an against the spread loss.
They are 13-6 against the spread in their last 19 games as the home underdog. This becomes 11-3 when given between 0.5 and 4.5 points at home.
The Bulls are 19-6-2 against the spread in their last 27 games against teams with a winning record.
Miami are 6-2-1 against the spread in their last 9 games against a team with a winning record at home greater than 60%.
They are just 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games being favoured by between 0.5 and 4.5 points on the road.
Prediction
This should be a fascinating game between two teams going places and also the personal battle between the two leading contenders for the MVP prize this season in Derrick Rose and LeBron James.
The Heat are playing so well lately and did not miss a step after the All-Star weekend by blowing out Sacramento. The team finally seems to be comfortable in the roles they have been given and LeBron James is playing to an unbelievable level.
However, in saying all of that, I was surprised that the Chicago Bulls have not really been given the respect they have deserved this season and I dont believe they should be considered the underdog at home against anybody at this moment in time.
They will feel aggrieved at that, and they also have a point to prove that they too are for real in the East.
I am chalking the loss to the Raptors down to being unfocused and looking ahead to this game. I have to back the home team to win this game at odds against as I feel the odds are slightly wrong here.
I'm taking Chicago to continue Miami's disappointing level of success against the elite teams in the NBA.
The Pick :
Chicago Bulls 98-95 Miami Heat
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll take Chicago Bulls to WIN @ 2.3 (1 UNIT)Follow me on Twitter @DavindaAulak- the direct link is below
