The Houston Rockets continue their three-game homestand with Friday’s New Year’s Eve visit by Miami, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ve got the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at Tipico Sportsbook.
The Rockets-Heat game tips at 6 p.m. CST and can be viewed or streamed via AT&T SportsNet Southwest and NBA League Pass.
The veteran-laden Heat and youthful Rockets are two teams headed in different directions this season, and their recent results reflect that.
Miami enters with four consecutive wins and 8 wins in its last 10 games. The hosts, on the other hand, have lost five straight and 9 of 11 overall. The Heat (22-13) are in the top four of the Eastern Conference standings, while the Rockets (10-25) remain in the basement of the West.
Yet, upon a closer look, there are reasons for the hosts at Toyota Center to have cautious optimism. The Rockets are coming off a relatively strong showing in Tuesday’s close loss to the Lakers, and they will enter with two full days of rest. Miami also hasn’t played since Tuesday, but for a very different reason — their scheduled game on Wednesday in San Antonio was postponed due to COVID-19 issues within the team.
While Houston currently has four absences due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, Miami is dealing with far more overall, as evidenced by the postponement due to lacking the league’s requisite eight players. The Heat could have veteran star Jimmy Butler back from a recent ankle sprain, according to reports, which would clearly help. But the Rockets should have a clear advantage in terms of overall roster depth.
Heat breakdown for tomorrow in Houston:
Available: Guy, Herro, Highsmith, Holman, Martin, Yurtseven (and soon, Chalmers)
Out, injured: Adebayo, Dedmon, Morris, Okpala, Oladipo
Out, protocols: Robinson, Cheatham, Garrett, Haslem, Lowry, Strus, Tucker, Vincent
Questionable: Butler.— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 30, 2021
