Miami Heat 2010 Preview & Predictions

Miami Heat 2010 Season Preview, Predictions Picks & Odds

With the NBA Basketball season just around the corner, we are providing season previews for all 30 teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best NBA Basketball Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2010 season preview. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the NBA in our recommend sportsbooks. View the rest of our 2010 NBA Season Previews here.

Miami Heat 2009-2010 NBA Record: 47-35, 3rd in Southeast Division

Miami Heat Betting Trends & Betting Angles:
• 3-8 ATS past 11 trips to Charlotte
• 1-7 SU, 1-6-1 ATS past 8 trips to Orlando
• 15-4-1 ATS past 20 at home vs Atlanta
• 15-1-1 ATS past 17 trips to Washington
• 13-3 SU past 16 at home to Wizards
• 17-2 SU past 19 as favorite of 8+ points
• 15-5 ATS past 20 games vs Pacific Div

Miami Heat 2010 Preview & Prediction

Even as Miami was qualifying for the playoffs the past two seasons, behind Dwyane Wade and not much else, the franchise’s more important activity was occurring behind the scenes. They had a plan, a BIG Plan. Pat Riley was hyping the summer of 2010 and promising season ticket holders a dynasty, not many observers believed he could pull off this sort of coup. But when LeBron James told the world he was taking his talents to South Beach to play with two former Olympic teammates, Riley had officially scored like never before – re-signing Wade and adding the two premier free agents (James and Chris Bosh) to the roster, with each taking less money than was available so the Heat could add supporting talent.

Miami Heat Coach: Erik Spoelstra (3rd season)

Miami Heat Projected Starters: PG Mario Chalmers, SG Dwyane Wade, SF LeBron James, PF Chris Bosh, C Joel Anthony.

Miami Heat Key Additions: F LeBron James, F Chris Bosh, C Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Miami Heat Key Losses: G Quentin Richardson, C Jermaine O’Neal, F Michael Beasley.

2010 Miami Heat Point Guards:

Regardless of whoever ends up as Miami’s starting point, it will be a position of sacrifice and compromise. Both James and Wade are excellent ball-handlers, capable of making plays and directing traffic. Both, obviously, will have the ball in their hands. It was a season to forget for Mario Chalmers. As a rookie, he was the league’s surprise newcomer as the second-round pick started all 82 games, ran the club with confidence, and placed on the All-rookie second team. However, in his second campaign, Chalmers dipped in every relevant statistical category and lost his starting job – and confidence – permanently by mid December, never claiming it back. Carlos Arroyo, who returned from Europe last season, emerged late in the season as Miami’s lead point guard. He was their starter over the season’s final two months, gaining Spoelstra’s trust because of his confidence, ball-handling, and efficiency. He will once again fight Chalmers for that starting spot this season; Spoelstra will likely lean towards Chalmers, in part because of his on-ball defense, and in part because of a perceived willingness to defer. Patrick Beverly, a 2009 draft selection who has been biding time in Europe for two seasons, played for Miami’s summer league team this off-season and will attend camp.

2010 Miami Heat Off Guards:

Jordan to LeBron’s Pippen? Or is that DJ to LeBron’s Bird? Regardless of status within the team or spot on the alpha male role call, there’s no mistaking Dwyane Wade’s immense value to this franchise. Wade backed up his electric 2009 season with another ho-hum masterpiece in 2010: Top-ten finishes in points, assists, and steals, a spot on the All-NBA team, the All-Star Game MVP award, and perhaps most importantly, he helped lure two extravagant talents to his team. What Wade did not do, however, was have postseason success, losing to Boston in five games in the opening round. His teams haven’t won a playoff series since that memorable 2006 Finals victory over Dallas, and that’s quite a shame for a player of his talent. All questions about how he’ll mesh with James will be short-lived; they’re both unselfish stars desperate to win. Eddie House was brought in by the Heat for his one faithful attribute: Shooting. House may have been passed around, but there’s always willing teams waiting. Despite limited ball-handling – a quality almost as noted as his stroke – House will benefit from the kick-outs in Miami. Mike Miller, primarily a small forward, may see time here as the Heat are relatively thin at the two.

2010 Miami Heat Small Forwards:

Just how elusive and important is an NBA championship? The lack of one can make the resume of a two-time MVP look incomplete; it can make the most gifted of them all turn his back on the only franchise he has known just to pursue it. LeBron James, he of “The Decision”, of the abnormal athletic ability, endured his toughest season yet. James is simply the most complete player in the game, and his pending on-court relationship with Wade will be fascinating. Mike Miller joins the Heat from Washington and will back-up James at the small forward position. Miller, noted for his offensive versatility and sweet stroke (40 percent on threes lifetime), has spent a decade in the league and yet has never played for a contender. His skills will provide much-needed depth and he’s at a point in his career where accepting a reduced role on a winner is a suitable option. James Jones endured another inconsistent season. A player of supposed smarts and potential hasn’t regained the form that made him successful in Phoenix earlier in his career. Good length and, like Miller, a nice shot means he could potentially find time in the rotation.

2010 Miami Heat Power Forwards:

No longer stranded in the depths of losing and seasons ending in April, Chris Bosh suddenly has found a meaningful destination on the NBA landscape. A player who, while a level or perhaps two below James and Wade aesthetically speaking but still of All-Star caliber, has perhaps found his destiny, that of a complementary star – not a superstar, but a “supporting” star on a winning team. Bosh spent seven years in Toronto, and while his name is peppered amongst the alltime leaders of their brief history, his departure was long expected and, subsequently, messy. He brings a proven offensive game (five straight seasons of at least 22 ppg) and AllStar pedigree. A healthy (and happy) Bosh ensures several things: A 20-point scorer at an efficient clip and at least 10 rebounds a night, all at a consistent beat. Of the “third options” league wide, he would now be considered the best. His performance will be subject to magnification in this star-laden environment. Udonis Haslem has been with the Heat for what feels like forever. A starter on the 2006 title team, Haslem accepted his reserve role with dignity – his effort and production unwavering since his demotion a year ago and was rewarded with a five-year deal.

2010 Miami Heat Centers:

Without doubt, the center position brings with it the closest the Heat has to uncertainty. Joel Anthony, entering his fourth season, is a player whose defensive capabilities far outweigh that of his offense. He led the team with 109 blocks last season, but only managed 76 field goals made – an imbalance not seen in would-be starting centers. Zydrunas Ilgauskas followed LeBron James to Miami, keeping alive the dream that the two longtime teammates and friends can claim a title together. Ilgauskas suffered his worst season as a professional, but with his age, mileage and the presence of Shaquille O’Neal, that was inevitable. Still a potent mid-range shooter, especially off the pick-n-pop with James, Ilgauskas brings stability and know-how to the Heat. Jamaal Magloire re-signed with the Heat and will enter his third season with the club. Magloire appeared in only 36 games last season. Although he dislikes the duty, Bosh will play here too when the club goes small.

Miami Heat 2010 Season Predictions

We predict that the Miami Heat will finish 1st in the NBA Southeast Division .

Miami Heat Betting

Miami Heat NBA Championship Odds: +160
Miami Heat Eastern Conference Odds: -175

Miami Heat 2009-2010 Betting Stats

Miami Heat Straight Up: 47-35
Miami Heat ATS: 43-37-2
Miami Heat Home ATS: 18-21-2
Miami Heat Away ATS: 25-16
Miami Heat Record As Favorite: 28-13
Miami Heat Record As Dog: 18-22
Miami Heat Over/Under: 36-45-1

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