Betdistrict.com
Miami Heat will host New Orleans Pelicans in the earliest Christmas day NBA game, to be played at 17:00 GMT, with the Heat rated as 6 point spread favorites by the bookies.
Miami (16-11, 12-6 home) is on the back of a 93-92 loss against the Pistons, a match in which Miami did not play well, but managed to stay in the hunt until the end. The Heat played without Goran Dragic on Tuesday and his status is uncertain for this Christmas day match.
The Pelicans (9-19, 3-13 away) were expected to be much better this year, but find themselves posting the second worst record in the Western Conference, despite having Anthony Davis at their disposal. The horrible 3-13 road record is one of the reasons for which the Pelicans have struggled. On the bright side, New Orleans is coming off 2 consecutive wins.
Bet now on Miami Heat vs. NO Pelicans with the best NBA basketball odds at 1xbet.
I fancy the Heat to win this one. Miami is a better team both individually and all around, plays at home and has 1 extra day of rest, so it’s difficult to find arguments in favor of the Pelicans. Odds are dropping on Miami and it’s not really a surprise.
There’s also the fact that this Miami Heat has tons of experience playing on Christmas day – which is always a special occasion in the NBA, with added pressure. Last year they beat the Cavs by 10 points, Dwayne Wade is 9-1 on Christmas, they seem to always find ways to outdo themselves on 25 December. All this while the Pelicans don’t have experience playing on this date. It shouldn’t be a huge factor, but it may well count.
I expect Dragic to play given the special occasion of this match, but even without him Miami have more then enough to defeat the Pelicans. Another key point is that the Heat always find a way to contain Anthony Davis, he can’t usually play his game against this team. If he doesn’t have a big game, it’s hard to see Pelicans being competitive.
Listen, the Pelicans are better than their record suggests, but all in all, I find no reasons for which the Heat could blow this at home on Christmas day. My tip is Miami to win and cover the 5 point spread. Prediction: Miami Heat – New Orleans Pelicans 98-90.
Pick: Miami Heat -5
Odds: 1.82 @ 1xBet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 5.74
Event date: 25 December
