Game Preview
The Miami Heat (5-7) will be looking to get back on track as they host the struggling Philadelphia 76ers (2-10) on Monday night. While the Heat have endured an up-and-down start to the season, the 76ers have been mired in a lengthy slump, losers of three straight and eight of their last ten games.
Offense has been a persistent issue for Philadelphia, as they've mustered just 104.5 points per game on a 42.9% shooting clip from the field. Their three-point shooting has been particularly anemic at 31.6%, hampering their ability to keep up with opponents. The 76ers have struggled to generate consistent scoring, eclipsing the 100-point mark just once in their last five outings.
Conversely, the Heat have had no such troubles putting the ball in the basket, pouring in 111.3 points per game while shooting a respectable 44.6% from the field. Miami has been particularly potent from beyond the arc, hovering around 39% on three-pointers. However, their defensive efforts have often negated their scoring prowess, as they've allowed an identical 111.8 points per game.
While both teams have endured turnover issues this season, the 76ers have been far more careless, coughing it up nearly 14 times per game compared to Miami's 11.6 turnovers. This sloppiness has contributed to Philadelphia's woes, preventing them from maximizing their offensive possessions.
Recent form favors the home side, as the Heat have won two of their last five games while the 76ers have dropped four of five. Miami will look to build on their 114.4 points per game over this stretch, a shade above their season average. Improved rebounding could be a key factor, as they've grabbed nearly 39 boards per game during this span compared to 42 for the season.
With the 76ers struggling to find their rhythm on both ends, the Heat will aim to take advantage of their home court and get back over .500. However, Philadelphia's desperation for a win could make this an unexpectedly tight affair if Miami doesn't bring their A-game.
Kevin Love has been a consistent offensive contributor for the Miami Heat this season, averaging 9.0 points + assists per game. His individual stats show he's scoring 8.0 points and dishing out 1.0 assist on average. With a 75.0% win rate for the over 7.5 points + assists bet, Love has cleared this line in 3 out of 4 games so far.
Love's shooting efficiency has been impressive, posting a 44.7% field goal percentage and a 47.9% three-point percentage. He's also been productive in limited minutes, averaging just under 12 minutes per game while maintaining a 24.5% usage rate. His 117.3 offensive rating and 10.5 box plus-minus highlight his positive impact on the court.
With consistent scoring output and efficient shooting splits, Kevin Love has been a valuable offensive spark plug for the Heat. His ability to provide points and modest playmaking makes the over 7.5 points + assists an enticing bet.