Thunder vs. Heat Game 3: NBA Picks

By: Jordan Sharp

Can the Thunder steal one from the Heat on the road in Game 3? Find out which way we are eaning with our NBA picks tonight.

The Heat tied up the series at 1-1 in Game 2 from Oklahoma City, and now the series shifts back to Miami for Games 3, 4 and 5. Can Oklahoma City rebound from their awful Game 2 performance, or will the Heat take the next step towards their ultimate goal of winning a title? 

Pick of the Day: Thunder vs. Heat Game 3

The NBA Odds have shifted into Miami’s favor in this game, as the Heat are favored by -4 ½ at home. The total has moved some as well, as it is sitting 193 points at all sportsbooks. 

In Game 2, the Thunder once again got down in a huge hole early, and they were down 18-2 at one point. They could not make layups, everyone’s shots were not falling, and they were turning the ball over at an extreme rate. We have obviously not seen the best basketball from the Thunder in this series, but have we seen Miami’s best? I’ll let you know with my NBA Pick for tonight’s game. 

Tale of two games 

I believe we have seen Miami’s best basketball in this series in Game 2. What’s funny is they almost blew that game as well. Miami should have won Game 1, and they barely won Game 2, even after jumping out to a huge lead for most of the game. The Thunder were only able to cut their deficit to single digits late in the 4 quarter, and by that time it was too late.

The Thunder will come out swinging like Tim Bradley, (too soon Pacquiao supporters?) and there is no way they get off to a start like they did in Games 1 and 2. I know they are on the road, butthe Heat have not been playing excellent defense in this series so far, which they need to do if they want to win. They are very capable of doing it, and there is a possibility they do it in Game 3, but I’ve said this before and it still holds true; if the Heat get into a shoot out with the Thunder, they will lose nine times out of ten.

South Beach road warriors 

The money in this game has evened up, even after the public started out pounding the Thunder taking points. One of the main reasons the Thunder are getting so much support, is they are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven road games, and they are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games playing the Heat in Miami.

Miami solved their road woes in Game 2 (or had the Thunder solve them for them in my opinion) and now it is OKC’s turn. Miami is 9-2 SU in their last 11 home games, but that does not scare me away. As I said, I think we have seen the Heat’s best hand, and we haven’t even gotten close to the Thunder’s best. I still like Thunder in six games, which means I think they will win two out of three in south Florida. 

The Sharp Pick 

I’m strictly trusting my instinct this game, but that has faired ok for me throughout this postseason, and I’m sticking to it. The Thunder have started to play some defense, and if they can continue to do that all game, as well as come out starting better, I think they will win this game outright.

As I stated earlier this week, a small play on the Thunder moneyline is not a bad bet, but feel confident in the Thunder taking almost five points. They should only be around a +2 underdog. 

My Pick: Thunder +4 ½ ---