The Miami Heat (38-34) suffered a disappointing 113-99 loss at the hands of the Chicago Bulls last night and would now hope for a better showing as they get ready to take on the Detroit Pistons (16-55) in another Eastern Conference clash.
The Heat is seventh in the East and 5-5 in their last ten games. Jimmy Butler continued his brilliant form, scoring 24 points against the Bulls. Bam Adebayo and Max Strus also chipped in 23 and 20 points, respectively. However, it all went in vain as the Bulls proved too strong on the night with a collective performance. Six players from the lineup scored in double digits to lead the team to a 14-point win. The Heat’s opponent for tonight, the Pistons, is last in the conference and already out of the playoff race.
Detroit is coming off a 119-100 defeat against the Denver Nuggets, where Rodney McGruder looked in fine touch as he finished the game with 20 points. None of the other players could make a significant contribution. Nikola Jokic ended with 30 points for the Nuggets and handed the Pistons their 55th loss of the regular season.
Match Details
Fixture: Miami Heat @ Detroit Pistons
Date & Time: Sunday, March 19, 6:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons: Injury Report
The Pistons are dealing with several injury issues at the moment. Isaiah Livers is questionable for tonight’s game due to a hip injury, and Alec Burks is out indefinitely as he is dealing with a foot injury. Bojan Bogdanovic is still unavailable because of an Achilles injury, and Isaiah Stewart is out with a shoulder injury. Hamidou Diallo and Cade Cunningham are out for the season with ankle and shin injuries, respectively.
Cody Zeller is questionable for the Heat tonight due to a nose injury, and Kyle Lowry is also questionable because of a knee injury. Nikola Jovic is still unavailable because of a back issue.
Injury List
| Player | Team | Status | Injury |
| Isaiah Livers | Detroit Pistons | Questionable | Hip |
| Alec Burks | Detroit Pistons | Out | Foot |
| Bojan Bogdanovic | Detorit Pistons | Out | Achilles |
| Isaiah Stewart | Detroit Pistons | Out | Shoulder |
| Hamidou Diallo | Detroit Pistons | Out | Ankle |
| Cade Cunnigham | Detroit Pistons | Out | Shin |
| Cody Zeller | Miami Heat | Questionable | Nose |
| Kyle Lowry | Miami Heat | Questionable | Knee |
| Nikola Jovic | Miami Heat | Out | Back |
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons: Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
| Miami Heat | -390 | -8.5 (-110) | O 219.5 (-110) |
| Detroit Pistons | +310 | +8.5 (-110) | 219.5 (-110) |
Starting 5s
Heat: F Jimmy Butler, F Kevin Love, C Bam Adebayo, G Tyler Herro, G Gabe Vincent
Pistons: F Rodney McGruder, F Eugene Omoruyi, C James Wiseman, G Jaden Ivey, G Killian Hayes
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons: Betting Prediction
The Pistons have a 1-0 lead over the Heat this season. The last time the two teams faced each other, the Pistons took away the game 116-96. They now have a chance at home to double the advantage and improve their poor home record of 9-28. However, the Heat will look to take their revenge and come out all guns blazing. Statistically, the Heat is better in offense and defense than the Pistons, the second-worst team in the league in defense, conceding 118.6 ppg. Considering all the current injuries of the Pistons team, the Heat has the upper hand. Expect them to cover the spread tonight.
