Miami at Washington

The Washington Wizards sure looked like a team on the rise last year, but at the midway point of the season they are a disappointing 19-21, and appear to be a stretch to make the playoffs. Despite the LeBron James departure a couple of years ago, the Miami Heat still have enough pieces to be a playoff team. At 23-19 so far, they have done a good enough job to be considered. The Heat have done it with defense, as they rank fourth in the league in allowing opponents 95 points or less 17 times on the season. Since December 1st, the Wizards have allowed 103.7 points per game, and that keeps holding this team back. Against a team that yields very little, they are going to be in trouble in this one as they have been out-scored by over eight points per game when facing a team that allows fewer than 96 points per game. Take the points on Miami.