Miami Heat vs Golden State Warriors Preview: Tips, Odds, & Prediction

Despite holding a 20-18 record, Miami ranks among the NBA’s most efficient teams in ball movement, averaging 28.4 assists per game. That figure places them seventh league-wide and underlines their ability to create offense through unselfish play.
The Heat’s scoring power is one of their strengths, averaging an impressive 119.6 points per game, ranking fifth in the league based on this metric. This is something that carries extra significance against the Warriors for this matchup. 

• Norman Powell (Guard) – Powell leads the team in scoring this season, averaging a career-high 23.8 points per game. The 32-year-old is playing as a key starter for the first time in his career, and it appears to be paying off on offense.  
• Tyler Herro (Guard) – Herro has returned from his injury, which is a big plus for Miami. He’s averaging 22.1 points per game, but will undoubtedly improve as he’s one of the most consistent shooters in the league.   
• Bam Adebayo (Center) – While Adebayo is averaging only 16.8 points per game, numbers that are his worst since his third NBA season, his defensive consistency remains ever so important. His 9.6 rebounds per game place him as one of the best rebounders in the league. 

The Warriors are 19th in the points per game averages, producing 115.5 per game. They were lower in the table at the start of the season but are now slowly improving after a tough start to the season. Apart from Curry, the Warriors don’t have much scoring power on offense, highlighting that plenty needs to be done in the final phase.

That said, the Warriors are one of the most team-first rosters in the league, ranking eighth with an average of 28.4 assists per game. This figure is identical to that of their opponents, the Miami Heat, making it an even more intriguing matchup.

• Stephen Curry (Guard) – At 37 years of age, Stephen Curry is still going strong and producing incredible numbers. He’s averaging 28.7 points per game, which are his highest numbers since 2023. You’d think his best days are behind him, but he’s still the heart and soul of the Warriors organization. 
• Jimmy Butler III (Forward) – Butler’s truly settled into life in San Francisco as he faces his old team. This season, he’s averaging 19.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, numbers that show his important role on both sides of the ball. 
• Draymond Green (Forward) – Green is averaging 8.7 points per game, which is in line with his career averages. However, his defensive ability and playmaking offer a different dimension to the Warriors, as he also averages 5.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.