It was unexpected and the pandemic bubble may have played a role. But Miami won the 2020 Eastern Conference championship. Eric Spoelstra emerged as one of the elite coaches for NBA betting. This year the question is if the Heat can keep it going. Milwaukee was the top favorite to win the NBA title. Miami stunningly upset them. To some, the Heat seemed to be at the right place at the right time. Milwaukee self-destructed. And Toronto no longer had Kawhi Leonard. But with team president Pat Riley and Spoelstra, the Heat have to figure as a contender.
2020-21 Miami Heat
| Odds | |
|---|---|
| NBA Championship | +1500 |
| Eastern Conference | +650 |
2020-21 Miami Heat SBG Odds Overview
In this situation, gamblers are doubtful of a Miami online wagering repeat. Not even squares are sold on the 2020 Eastern Conference champions. Milwaukee is back as the top Eastern Conference chalk.
2020-21 Miami Heat Team Team Overview
The 2019-20 Miami Heat finished 44-29 straight up, 36-35-2 against the spread, and 43-28 over the total. First place in the lackluster Southeast Division was their final standing. Miami ranked 15th in the NBA for scoring offense and 10th for points allowed. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 20.6 points and 6.0 assists per game. While Bam Adebayo was Miami’s top rebounder with 10.2 boards per contest.
Memphis forward Precious Achiuwa was the 20th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The native of Nigeria was a consensus five-star recruit. And McDonald’s All-American. So too Achiuwa was American Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2020. And named AAC Freshman of the Year as well. Achiuwa was named to the First Team All-AAC to top off a dream one and done season. He averaged 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
NBA guard Jimmy Butler has had his share of career controversies. Since 2017 Butler has bounced around from Chicago, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and finally to Miami. Butler is a five-time NBA All-Star, including last season. He is a three-time All-NBA Third-Team honoree. Further, he is a four-time NBA All-Defensive Second team awardee. In the 2020 NBA Playoffs Butler averaged 22.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists per game. Center Bam Adebayo was a first-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Kentucky.
Last year he was an NBA All-Star for the first time. After averaging 15.9 points per game in the regular season Adebayo stepped up in the 2020 NBA Playoffs. He became an NBA odds asset. To illustrate, he averaged 17.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Adebayo has played his entire career with the Heat.
It’s hard to believe that Eric Spoelstra is 50 years old. He’s been head coach of the Heat since 2008-09. Of course, he led them to the 2012 and 2013 NBA championships. Spoelstra was derided then for riding LeBron James and the Three Kings. But he’s shown his true coaching ability since James departed in 2014. Miami has suffered just two losing seasons since then. With the support of team president Pat Riley, who was a legendary coach, Spoelstra has the perfect leadership structure and guidance.
2020-21 Miami Heat Prognosis
To begin with, Miami is a solid playoff-caliber team. However, they’re not a championship outfit. Consider that the gambling masses remain lukewarm. That could mean extra value from the Heat.