NBA Picks & Predictions for Sunday, March 6, 2011
By Nate Steele
MIAMI, FL (THESPREAD) - The slumping Miami Heat play host Sunday afternoon to the Chicago Bulls on national television. Here is my pick for the contest.
The Miami Heat carry a record of 43-19 into Sunday afternoon along with a home record of 22-7. The Heat third in the Eastern Conference, just behind Chicago. The Bulls have a record of 42-18 and are 16-4 in road games. Miami has lost three in a row and Chicago is 8-2 in its last 10. Here are some trends for this contest.
Oddsmakers and online sports book Sportsbook.com have made Miami a 5-point favorite in the game. The over-under is set at 187.
Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat, 1:00PM EST (View Matchup)
The home team is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven meetings between Chicago and Miami. The under is 9-3 ATS in the past 12 meetings. Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its past five trips to Miami. The over is 10-3 in the last 13 Heat games following a ATS loss.
My pick is with the Miami Heat -5. The Heat are coming off of some emotional losses and looking to take some revenge out on Chicago for a recent loss, while also proving that they can beat the NBA's elite teams. Chicago is in the midst of a road trip and will have the more weary legs.
FREE NBA PICK: MIAMI HEAT -5