Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat: Preview, predictions, injury report and TV info for tonight's matchup

Friday, 08 March 2024 at 19:00

It's NBA Friday and with 9 exciting games scheduled, one stands out as a very intriguing matchup between two teams that are enjoying excellent form. Jimmy Butler's Miami Heat are set to visit the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC has been phenomenal all season long, currently winning 8 of their last 10 games. Miami is not far behind, having won 7 of the last 10. The stage is set, this promises to be an electrifying matchup, with both teams keen to maintain or improve their conference standings.

The Heat come into the game as visitors, having lost their last game. Currently, Miami is in 6th place in the Eastern Conference, the last position that gives direct access to the playoffs, with a record of 35-27, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers, who are one position below with the same balance.

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OKC, meanwhile, is in 2nd place in the Western Conference with a 43-19 record, and with Minnesota Timberwolves (1st at 44-19) and Denver Nuggets (3rd at 43-20), Oklahoma 'must-win' to keep pace with its two rivals.

Expert predictions (Possible starting lineups and Winner)

The main predictions for tonight's game place the Oklahoma City Thunder as the favorite to win the game. OKC is one of the strongest teams in the NBA, and on their home floor the Miami Heat would have to do too well to win.

In addition, the potential starters will be:

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren.
Heat: Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo.