Miami Heat at Detroit Pistons 2011 NBA Preview, Odds, and Predictions: Eastern Conference player of the week LeBron James will lead the hot Miami Heat on the road to the Palace of Auburn Hills to take on the struggling Detroit Pistons on Friday night at 7:30 PM ET. The Pistons enter the game off a win but at 20-33 4th in the Central while the Heat are on a 7 game winning streak and at 38-14 are 1st in the Southeast. Miami is looking to catch and/or pass Boston for 1st in the Eastern Conference and a win would put them ahead they meet on Sunday so Miami needs to concentrate on tonight’s game and not be looking forward to playing the Celtics.
LeBron was named Eastern Conference player of the week recently and has been taking the leadership role that many thought he would need to for the Heat to be successful. “I’ll tell you what, he’s playing MVP-like basketball on both ends of the court,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He had a motor tonight that did not fatigue. It was amazing.” James is the only active player averaging more than 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game this season. The odds makers at Bodog have the Miami Heat a -8 point favorite on the road against the Detroit Pistons.
The Heat are coming off a home victory on Tuesday 117-112 over the Indiana Pacers to move to 25-26-1 ATS for the season. LeBron continued his outstanding play with 41 points 13 rebounds 8 assists and 3 steals to lead the Heat to the win. Forward Chris Bosh added 19 points and 7 boards while guard Dwayne Wade chipped in 17 points 3 boards and 7 assists. Miami is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit. Vegas odds makers have the Miami Heat +140 to win the 2010-2011 NBA Championship.
The Pistons are coming off a road win 103-94 over the NBA doormat Cleveland Cavaliers to move to and impressive 30-23 ATS for the season considering their overall record. Forward Tayshaun Prince was the only starter in double figures with 10 points and guard Rodney Stuckey came off the bench to score 22 points to lead 3 substitutes in double figures. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing Miami. Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at 191 points combined of the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons.
I predict the Heat win on the road again!