img NBA

Oklahoma City at Miami

December 25, 2012
img5:30 PM Eastern
Premium Pick
2 units on Game Total UNDER 205 -110 (risk 2 to return 2)
Result:
WIN

This is a rematch of the NBA Finals on Christmas Day and odds-makers anticipate a high scoring game... but they are wrong. Oklahoma City has all the flashy offensive talent that the general public loves, but let's not forget how great defensively they are. The Thunder allow 96.2 points per game (10th in the NBA) and .425% shooting by opponents - third best in the league.  Oklahoma City is on a 4-1 run UNDER the total and 6-2 UNDER the total in their last eight games playing on three or more days rest. They will bring their best defensive effort with Kendrick Perkins and shot blocker Serge Ibaka as it's a marquee TV game with the whole country watching. And, this is a bitter return to the place where they blew, err, lost the NBA title in June. Meanwhile Miami has been focusing on improving its defense of late with the Heat winning four straight games while holding its past seven opponents under 100 points. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra brought it up after the last game saying, "Our defensive commitment has been better." When a good team comes to town Miami puts on its best defensive face. The UNDER is 13-6 in the Heat's last 19 home games against a team with a winning road record. And this isn't just any team, but the defending Western Conference champs. The Thunder have played 8-1 to the UNDER this season to a total set in the 200s. Play the Thunder/Heat under the total.  

FINAL
1
2
3
4
F
Oklahoma City Thunder
24
24
24
25
97
Miami Heat img
27
27
20
29
103
consensus consensus
odds odds
 
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