Thunder vs Heat Picks and Prediction – 12/21/2024

In Friday night NBA action, the Oklahoma City Thunder will invade the Kaseya Center to take on the Miami Heat. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Thunder (21-5) have won ten of their first 13 road games and hold a 2.5 game lead over Memphis for the top spot in the Western Conference. Last night, Oklahoma City built a 17-point halftime lead and held on down the stretch to earn a 105-99 road victory against Orlando. 

All-Star G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in a game-high 35 points on 15-for-26 shooting and dished out six assists. Isaiah Hartenstein added 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder, who were outrebounded by a 40-32 margin.

The Miami Heat have won eight of their first 12 home games and trail Milwaukee by a half-game for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat (13-11) rank tenth in the league in defensive efficiency and are allowing a shade below 110 points per contest. Last time out, Miami erased a 16-point fourth quarter deficit before falling in overtime at Detroit by a 125-124 final score. 

Miami G/F Jimmy Butler led all scorers with 35 points (12-21 FG) to go along with 19 rebounds and ten assists. Tyler Herro missed 13 of 17 three-point attempts and finished with 23 points. All-Star C Bam Adebayo added 15 points and eight rebounds for the Heat, who were outrebounded by a 52-44 margin.

Oklahoma City F/C Chet Holmgren suffered a right hip fracture and is expected to be sidelined until late January. The Thunder are in a difficult spot. Oklahoma City dropped the NBA Emirates Cup final on Tuesday and now is playing the second of a back-to-back. Take the Heat to win at home. Final Score Prediction, Miami Heat win 111-104.