Heat’s poor record at AT&T Arena gives Spurs the edge in Game 3
Published:Miami travel to San Antonio for Game 3 of this year’s NBA Finals with the series all-square after the Heat handed out a 103-84 loss to the Spurs.
Eric Spoelstra’s charges bounced back after a narrow defeat in the opener with Mario Chalmers leading the way with 19 points in Game 2, backed up by LeBron James who registered 17 to go with his eight rebounds and seven assists.
The visitors have an impressive road record, currently 22-3 away from Miami, but they tend to struggle when taking to the court at the AT&T Centre with the Spurs taking the spoils in 12 of their previous 14 match-ups there.
The hosts are 10/13 to take a series lead in Game 3, which should find support considering they are 7-1 in their last eight overall and 6-1 in their preceding seven on their own court.
The defending champions have not won successive matches since Game 1 of their Conference Finals with Indiana.
The Heat are 8-16 in 24 clashes with Gregg Popovich’s men, and that paired with their shortcomings in San Antonio means they look difficult to back at 11/10.
If San Antonio are to win it, it is likely to be a low-scoring affair. They are shooting a lowly 41 per cent from the field and averaging 88 points.
Three-time NBA Finals MVP Tony Duncan has made just 11 of his 32 shots, summing up the Spurs’ woes around the basket – backing under 187.5 points at 10/11 is the wiser option here.
San Antonio were well in touch in Game Two before Miami embarked on a monster run through the third and fourth quarters, outscoring their opponents 33-5. Those looking for value around the quarter betting should look to the third or fourth being the most fruitful at 13/5 a piece.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
