The Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are in first place in their respective conferences. Tonight they face off in Miami. Phoenix is not at full strength right now, but will still be putting forth their best effort. Let’s look at the NBA odds and find the winning NBA pick.
Phoenix Suns vs. Miami Heat
Wednesday, March 09, 2022 – 07:30 PM EST at FTX Arena
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have the best record in the NBA at 51-13. The Suns were cruising along, racking up wins, and getting ready for another playoff push before injuries struck the team. Chris Paul is out until at least April with an injured finger which has stalled the Suns' momentum.
The Suns are still winning, albeit with a makeshift backcourt. Devin Booker, who absorbed a lot of Chris Paul's usage, entered Covid protocols. Showing how well constructed the Phoenix roster is, and how well-coached the team is, the Suns are 3-1 without Booker so far. This record must come with the caveat that their 3 wins are over the lowly Knicks, Magic, and Trail Blazers and that they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.
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Deandre Ayton has assumed a much bigger role on offense with the All-Star backcourt out. Ayton had 30 points in the loss to the Bucks. The Suns' offense ran through the former number one overall draft pick.
These games without Booker are an excellent opportunity for Ayton to showcase how valuable he is to the Suns team. The Suns declined to extend Ayton last offseason, and he could potentially become a free agent in this offseason. These games serve as an excellent dress rehearsal for Ayton in a larger role for either the Suns or other bidders for his services.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are 44-22 on the year. They have won 3 in a row and are 8-2 in their last 10. Their most recent win was a 17-point victory over the Houston Rockets at home. They also scored a victory on Saturday night against their rival Philadelphia 76ers, who were missing James Harden in the game.
Regardless, the Heat got business done and beat the Sixers by 17. Miami is an excellent team at home. The Heat are 23-7 at home this season. Teams traveling to Miami face a tough task against one of the best defensive teams in the league.
Victor Oladipo made his Miami Heat debut in the win over Houston on Monday night. Oladipo excited the fans with 11 points in just 15 minutes of play. Oladipo is a wild card for Miami. The Heat have played excellently without Oladipo this year, but if he can come in and find his old level of play, he could be a huge addition for a Miami Heat team looking to make the Finals in a stacked Eastern Conference this season.
Oladipo can provide another level of strong defense, and he can also create his own shot in the half-court. So far, Oladipo's return looks promising for the Heat.
Key Matchup
Bam Adebayo vs. Deandre Ayton
Bam Adebayo and Deandre Ayton have very similar skill sets. Ayton has a little more size, but Adebayo's game is more refined and he is farther along in his development as a player. Regardless, both men are exciting talents that both teams are happy to have on their roster.
With the injuries to the Phoenix lineup, Ayton will have a huge role tonight. Adebayo is one of the best defenders in the league. Adebayo will have his hands full with Ayton tonight. If Adebayo is able to shut Ayton down, the Suns will have problems generating enough offense to keep up with the Heat. If Ayton is able to have a big game, the Suns can get another big win on the road.
Best Bet
Phoenix is in a rough spot here, shorthanded on a back-to-back. Although they played well against Orlando last night, Miami is a whole different level of opponent. You are going from facing the bottom of the East to the top.
Miami is excellent at home and has serious blowout potential tonight. Miami is 3 games ahead in the standings for first place in the East, and will not want to cede valuable position in an easily winnable game.
Miami has different ways to slow down Ayton. Against Philadelphia, they were quick to blitz double teams at Joel Embiid. I do not think Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will be hesitant to employ that tactic if Ayton is getting hot.
However, Adebayo is so good, Spoelstra and the Heat might not even need to go that route. Regardless, an awesome matchup is being spoiled by injuries, as this marquee game has lost a lot of luster for fans. We can take advantage of it as bettors by taking the Heat. For my best bets, Today’s Play of the Day is the Miami Heat -8.
NBA Pick: Miami Heat -8 (-110) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
