This is an 8* SIDE WINNER on the Heat.

Neither team has been playing well to open the season. The Warriors are 3-4, and one of their victories was a 123-110 home win over Miami as a 5.5-point favorite just last week.

The immediate revenge factor obviously comes into play here for the home side. Since then the Warriors have lost two straight on the road, falling 120-113 in OT at Charlotte, and then 128-114 the following night in Detroit.

Miami is now just 2-5 after its latest 119-113 collapse at Sacramento. The Heat have had two nights off to think about those losses.

Miami can avenge both, with Sacramento also coming to town tomorrow. But one game at a time.

Chemistry takes time to develop at the start of the season, even for veteran laden clubs like the Heat and the Warriors. The season has just started. Let's not overreact to any numbers or streaks or runs right now (good or bad.)

I like the HEAT to step up here at home and deliver their best performance of the season so far.

Good luck, NP