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Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 29, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 29, 2024 7:52 PM
On Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Miami Heat heads to the Toyota Center in Houston to take on the Rockets in a cross-conference matchup. The Rockets, sitting at 21-10 and third in the Western Conference, look to extend their 11-4 home record against the Heat, who are 15-14 and seventh in the Eastern Conference. This clash promises to be an exciting contest between two competitive teams.
Miami Heat vs Houston Rockets

Current Odds

MIA
HOU
Over
215.5
+123
Under
216.5
-120
MIA
+7.5
-125
HOU
-4.0
-109
MIA
ML
+350
HOU
ML
-220

Houston Rockets recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/27/24 vs Minnesota Timberwolves L 113-112
12/26/24 @ New Orleans Pelicans W 128-111
12/23/24 @ Charlotte Hornets W 114-101
12/22/24 @ Toronto Raptors W 114-110
12/19/24 vs New Orleans Pelicans W 133-113

Miami Heat recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/26/24 @ Orlando Magic W 89-88
12/23/24 vs Brooklyn Nets W 110-95
12/21/24 @ Orlando Magic L 121-114
12/20/24 vs Oklahoma City Thunder L 104-97
12/16/24 @ Detroit Pistons L 125-124 OT

Houston Rockets injuries

  • Tari Eason (F): Out
  • Dillon Brooks (SF): Out

Miami Heat injuries

  • Josh Richardson (SG): Out
  • Jimmy Butler (SF): Out
  • Dru Smith (G): Out

Heat vs Rockets game info

Type Info
Venue Toyota Center (Houston)
Location Houston, TX
Tip-off Sun 7:00 PM

Heat vs Rockets predictions

Can't you just picture it? Tyler Herro stepping onto the court with the Miami Heat, pulling the strings from the point guard position. He's been on fire lately, and given his current form, you might see him racking up around 23 points while dishing out assists like they're going out of style. Herro isn’t the only one to keep your eyes on. Bam Adebayo, patrolling the paint, is another key difference-maker for the Heat. Expect him to grab nearly 10 rebounds while putting up solid double digits on the scoreboard. Rounding out Miami’s crew, you have Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier, who might not be the main spotlight but could easily add valuable points and assists when the Heat need it most. It's all about those small contributions that can tip the game scales in a team’s favor.

Now let's shift our attention to the Houston Rockets. Jalen Green is a name that's probably already lodged in your mind if you've been following the NBA this season. He’s consistently proving that he’s not one to be underestimated with around 19 points regularly lighting up the scoreboard. Then you've got Fred VanVleet, who’s dishing out assists like they were hot potatoes and registering close to 17 points himself. Alperen Sengun, down in the trenches, is another player who's been a revelation for the Rockets. He’s likely grabbing rebounds left and right, surpassing that double-digit mark. Plus, his ability to contribute to the Rockets' dynamic offense should not be underrated. Watching these guys play, you just know there’ll be some magic on the hardwood.

So, who do you think is going to take such a thrilling cross-conference matchup? With Houston’s current pace, boasting a solid home record and ranking high in the Western Conference, they have a real shot at victory. On paper and in performance, the Rockets have been impressive, setting them up nicely against a Miami Heat squad still finding its footing on the road. While Miami has its stars shining brightly, Houston's depth and home court advantage might just give them the edge needed to come out on top. In this exciting NBA face-off, my prediction leans towards the Rockets claiming the win – but as any basketball fan knows, it’s never over until the final whistle blows. Keep your eyes peeled; this one's bound to be a spectacle!

Houston Rockets

Miami Heat

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