Heat vs Bobcats Odds
The Miami Heat entered the 2014 NBA playoffs looking more vulnerable than they have in years past, but they’ve managed to capture a 2-game lead on the Charlotte Bobcats entering Game 3.[ad-4468020]
No. 2 Miami (2-0) vs. No. 7 Charlotte (0-2)
Saturday, April 26
Time Warner Cable Arena
7:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Spread: Miami -6
Total: 188
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Miami
The Heat may have a two-game lead, but it hasn’t been easy.
A strong defensive showing in Game one gave them a 99-88 victory, but the Bobcats came storming back in Game 2, falling by just four points (101-97).
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So far in this series, LeBron James has been who he is supposed to be. He leads the team in points (29.5 PPG), rebounds (7.5 RPG), assists (4.5 APG) and steals (2.0), and maybe most impressively, he’s shooting 57.6 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from the three-point line.
Entering Game 3, Miami has a 17-game winning streak over Charlotte. The team has not lost to the Bobcats during the Big Three era, and it doesn’t plan on changing that this season.
A Game 3 win would all-but seal the deal in this series, and the Heat know that as they look ahead to a potential series with the Brooklyn Nets or Toronto Raptors.
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Charlotte
The Bobcats have an uphill battle ahead of themselves, but they’re set to return to Time Warner Cable Arena where they went 25-16 in arguably the best season in their franchise’s history.
As has been the case thus far, Al Jefferson needs to be the one leading the way. Kemba Walker is invaluable as a scorer and a playmaker, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could still be an X-factor down the road, but it’s Jefferson who can truly exploit Miami’s defense.
The Heat don’t have anybody who can stop the big man one-on-one, and finding a way to get him the ball needs to be a top priority for Charlotte every game moving forward.
As good as Jefferson has been, and can continue to be on offense, defense is where this team will find success. It was fourth in points allowed this season, and while it’s giving up 100 points per contest in the playoffs, that’s not a bad number considering who is on the other side of the attack.
Unfortunately for Charlotte, it has two things going against it at this time. For starters, stopping LeBron James is easier said than done. In fact, it’s virtually impossible. The hope here is that you can contain everyone else on the roster while James gets his night in and night out.
The second hurdle, which could be the deciding factor in whether or not the Bobcats win a game, is the health of Jefferson.
The center is dealing with planter fasciitis, and he admitted feeling pain both during and after Game 2.
Charlotte has a chance to steal a game at home if it plays defense, but the odds aren’t in their favor.
Prediction: Miami 101 – Charlotte 93
