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Heat vs. Warriors prediction: NBA Thursday picks, odds, best bets
The Golden State Warriors are favoured to extend their five-game winning streak when they host the Miami Heat, whose season has begun with a 3-5 record. The article points to the contrast in form and rest: Golden State has had two days off, while Miami is playing the second game of a back-to-back and its third match in four nights.
Stephen Curry has scored at least 30 points in three straight games, and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg added 37 points and six three-pointers against the Clippers. Miami beat the Clippers 117-116 in overtime on Wednesday, but lost to the Lakers by 21 points on Monday despite Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 30 points and taking 12 rebounds. The recommended bet is Golden State -7.5 at -106.
In short
- The Warriors have won five consecutive games.
- Miami faces a tiring second game in two nights.
- The pick is Warriors -7.5 at -106.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The case for backing Golden State is that its five-game winning streak, Curry’s scoring form and extra rest give it clear momentum against a Miami side with a losing record. The Heat are also facing a demanding schedule after an overtime game, so Warriors -7.5 may look like a reasonable bet if fatigue affects Miami’s defence and late-game execution.
The case against
The case against the pick is that a recent winning streak and schedule advantage do not guarantee a margin of at least eight points, especially against a Miami team that just won a close game against the Clippers. The Heat have shown they can compete, and betting on a single game carries uncertainty; their effort or shooting could keep the score close even if Golden State is favoured to win.