After a heartbreaking loss in the NBA Cup Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder will now be heading to the Kayesa Center to take on the Miami Heat. The Heat are coming into this game, fresh off a loss against the Detroit Pistons. With both teams dropping matches this week, the momentum of their upcoming game will decide who takes home the win tonight.
Continue reading to learn more about the matchup, including injury reports, start time, where to watch, betting tips, game prediction, and more.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat: Projected starting five
Oklahoma City Thunder projected starting five
Player
| PTS
| REB
| AST
|
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
| 30.5
| 5.4
| 6.3
|
Luguentz Dort
| 9.9
| 4.8
| 1.8
|
Cason Wallace
| 6.8
| 3.6
| 2.1
|
Jalen Williams
| 21.3
| 5.9
| 5.1
|
Isaiah Hartenstein
| 12.5
| 12.3
| 4.1
|
Miami Heat projected starting five
Player
| PTS
| REB
| AST
|
Tyler Herro
| 24.1
| 5.3
| 4.8
|
Jimmy Butler
| 19.4
| 6.1
| 5.0
|
Duncan Robinson
| 11.1
| 2.2
| 2.2
|
Haywood Highsmith
| 7.1
| 3.0
| 1.1
|
Bam Adebayo
| 16.2
| 10.3
| 5.1
|
(Note: Projected starters are subject to change.)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat: Key players to watch
Oklahoma City Thunder key players
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Jalen Williams
Miami Heat key players
- Tyler Herro
- Jimmy Butler
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat Injury Report
Heat injury report
Player
| Status
| Injury
|
Nikola Jovic
| Game time decision
| Ankle
|
Pelle Larsson
| Game time decision
| Ankle
|
Josh Richardson
| Game time decision
| Ankle
|
Thunder injury report
Player
| Status
| Injury
|
Alex Ducas
| Game time decision
| Back
|
Adam Flagler
| Out
| Finger
|
Chet Holmgren
| Out
| Hip
|
Nikola Topic
| Out for season
| Knee
|
Jaylin Williams
| Game time decision
| Hamstring
|
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat: Team stats
Statistic
| Thunder
| Heat
|
Record
| 21-5
| 13-11
|
Standings
| 1st
| 6th
|
Home/Away
| 10-3
| 8-4
|
Offensive Rating
| 8th
| 10th
|
Defensive Rating
| 1st
| 10th
|
Net Rating
| 1st
| 11th
|
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat: Previous matchups
During the last showdown between the Thunder and the Heat, OKC edged out with a seven-point lead (100-107). Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for his team that night recording 37 points and six assists. The Heat, on the other hand, struggled to function as a unit towards the end of the game, which allowed the Thunder to slip away with the win. This year, the Thunder have played and won both of their games against Miami, and we doubt that this one will be any different.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat: Leading players
Stat
| Thunder (Leader)
| Heat (Leader)
|
Points
| 30.5 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
| 24.1 - Tyler Herro
|
Rebounds
| 12.3 - Isaiah Hartenstein
| 10.3 - Bam Adebayo
|
Assists
| 6.3 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
| 5.1- Bam Adebayo
|
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat: Prediction and Betting Tips
- Moneyline: Thunder (-120) vs Heat (+105)
- Spread: Thunder (-1.5) vs Heat (+1.5)
- Total (O/U): Thunder -110 (O 214.5) vs Heat -105 (U 214.5)
(Note: Odds are correct at the time of writing and likely to change.)
Thunder vs Heat Game Prediction
Credits: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Miami Heat have improved lately and are 6-4 in their last 10 games. However, the Thunder are legitimate contenders this year and have been on fire. Even if Miami plays a good game, they just don’t have enough quality on their roster to overcome OKC. We believe that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have a big game and take this one home for Oklahoma.
Our Prediction: The Thunder will win
ALSO READ:
Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers (12/20): Starting Five, Injury Report, Start Time, Game Prediction, Betting Tips, How to Watch, and MoreOklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat: Date, Time, and Venue
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat goes live from the Kaseya Center on Friday, December 20, 2024. The match will kick off at 8:00 PM ET.
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat: Streaming details and more
- TV: Bally Sports Southwest, and Bally Sports Sun
- Streaming: Sling, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV and NBA League Pass
Sameer is a dynamic writer bringing his unique flair to the WWE B...
Read MoreSameer is a dynamic writer bringing his unique flair to the WWE Blog. As an avid gamer, he is no stranger to intense competition and strategic thinking. Whether analyzing the latest WWE match or immersed in a high-stakes gaming session, Sameer's passion and expertise shine through in his writing. Join him as he blends his love for gaming and wrestling, offering readers a fresh and engaging perspective.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment