Injury Report, Updated Odds (3/8): Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat
The Oklahoma City Thunder is set to hit the hardwood on Friday after a day off, but doing so back on their home floor as they host the Miami Heat. Both teams are 3-2 in their last five games, though both teams have been playing well since the All-Star break.
Miami is counting on climbing the Eastern Conference standings as they're currently the No. 6 seed in the conference, though a 1.5-game swing would have them No. 4 in the conference.
For the Thunder, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, it feels like a top-three seed is inevitable, and they're just determining which of the three seeds they will land.
This matchup is typically sluggish for the Thunder, as the Heat seem to battle the Thunder well each time, so this game could be a close, fun one come clutch time.
Injury Report
Thunder:
Adam Flagler, OUT (G League)
Heat:
Tyler Herro, OUT (Foot)
Kevin Love, OUT (Heel)
Caleb Martin, OUT (Thumb)
Josh Richardson, OUT (Shoulder)
While the Thunder's only absence is Adam Flagler, and that's for the G League -- not an injury. The Heat, on the other hand, has legitimate injuries that shakes up their rotation.
Still, with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, the Heat will still find a way to play this game super competitively. The team is known for having immense depth and seeing players step up most when needed.
Updated Odds
Playing on their home floor -- which they're 24-6 when doing so -- the Thunder is an 8.5-point favorite. Given the home-court advantage and Heat injuries, the on-paper spread makes sense. Still, the way the Heat always play up to their competition despite being shorthanded and the way the team always matches up with Oklahoma City, the spread then feels like it's a bit too far in favor of the Thunder.
The two teams have played once this season, with the Thunder coming away with a 128-120 victory. They look to close out the second and final matchup against Miami this season with a victory.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
