ES 
NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Rockets Are Hot, Heat Are Not as Opposites Attract
When the Miami Heat hosts the Houston Rockets on Friday night, it will be a showdown between two NBA teams headed in completely different directions. The red-hot Rockets (45-25) have racked up a season-best eight-game win streak, while the struggling Miami Heat (29-40) are on a brutal nine-game losing streak, the team’s longest since a 12-game skid during the 2007-08 season.
Rockets Riding High on an Eight-Game Winning Streak
The Houston Rockets have found their groove, boasting a season-high eight-game win streak. This run of form has propelled them firmly into playoff contention after several seasons of struggle. Key to their success has been a balanced mix of youth and experience.
Emerging Stars Leading the Way
The Rockets have leaned heavily on their talented young core, led by shooting guard Jalen Green and center Alperen Sengun. Green is averaging a team-high 21.4 points per game, using his explosive athleticism to attack the rim and stretch the floor. Sengun, standing at 6-foot-11, has been a double-double machine with 19.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Known for his exceptional passing ability for a big man, Sengun also dishes out 4.9 assists per contest.
In addition to their emerging stars, Houston has relied on veteran leadership from Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. VanVleet, an All-Star guard, is averaging 14.2 points and 5.6 assists per game. His experience and poise have been instrumental in keeping the Rockets’ offense efficient. Meanwhile, Brooks has contributed 14.0 points per game while providing elite perimeter defense, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive second team in 2023.
Depth Challenges and Injuries
Despite their recent success, the Rockets are not without their setbacks. Their first-round picks over the past two years, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, are currently sidelined with injuries. Thompson is nursing an ankle issue but could return as soon as Friday, while Sheppard is out indefinitely with a fractured right thumb.
Even with these absences, the Rockets continue to find ways to win, as evidenced by their 116-108 road victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Impressively, they went 29-of-32 from the free-throw line, significantly above their league-worst 74.0% average.
“We’re playing better and more consistent across the board,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “We’re finally seeing the fruits of our labor.”
NBA Insider Access
Join for Winning Predictions
Heat on a Downward Spiral
The Miami Heat, on the other hand, are stuck in a nine-game losing streak, which has all but killed their playoff hopes. Adding to their misery, they recently dropped a 116-113 heartbreaker to the Detroit Pistons when Cade Cunningham banked in a tie-breaking 3-pointer with 0.6 seconds remaining.
Fourth-Quarter Meltdowns Plague Miami
A recurring theme for the Heat has been their inability to close out games. They are tied for second in the NBA with 17 losses after holding fourth-quarter leads.
“There is no way to explain some of this,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said after the loss to Detroit. “The banked shot at the end … we just have to find more resolve.”
Spoelstra praised the leadership efforts of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro despite the struggles. Adebayo, in particular, has been an emotional leader for the squad, fighting hard on both ends of the floor.
“Bam is playing so damn hard on both sides. He is our emotional leader,” Spoelstra said.
Defensive Lapses Continue
Miami’s defense has been inconsistent, and their inability to protect leads has been a focal point of frustration. Spoelstra acknowledged that the Heat are still trying to figure out how to bring the necessary resolve and focus to close out close games.
Key Matchup: Green vs. Herro
The duel between Jalen Green and Tyler Herro will be one to watch. Both are high-volume scorers capable of catching fire from deep. Green’s athleticism and ability to score in transition will challenge Miami’s defense, while Herro’s shooting touch and scoring versatility can put pressure on Houston’s perimeter defense.
Expert Betting Guide and Odds
- Pick Page: Given their respective streaks, the Rockets are favored to win despite being on the road.
- Odds Page: The spread could favor the Rockets by 4-6 points, given Miami’s inability to close out games.
- Expert Betting Guide: Betting on Houston to cover the spread seems prudent, especially considering Miami’s tendency to squander leads late.
NBA Awards and Recognitions
- NBA MVP: While not in the MVP race, Jalen Green has been pivotal in Houston’s resurgence.
- NBA Most Improved Player: Alperen Sengun is making a strong case with his impressive numbers and development.
- NBA 6th Man of the Year: Tyler Herro has shown glimpses of his scoring prowess, despite Miami’s struggles.
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Dillon Brooks remains a defensive anchor, making life difficult for opponents on the perimeter.
Final Thoughts
The Houston Rockets are surging toward the playoffs, while the Miami Heat are desperately searching for answers. Will the Rockets extend their win streak to nine games, or can the Heat find a way to break their longest losing skid in 15 years?
