Trail Blazers vs. Heat Odds & Betting Predictions - March 30, 2024

The Blazers head to Miami to take on the Heat and one player who I expect to have a tougher matchup is rookie, Scoot Henderson. Scoot has had an interesting season and is averaging 13.2 ppg but 14.5 ppg since the All-Star Break. He has not broken through the way many anticipated his skillset would in the NBA. Scoot takes the majority of his shots at the rim, a shot that Miami is extremely strong at taking away. To beat Miami, you need to shoot the 3 ball which is not something Scoot does well or often. The Blazers have listed a number of players on the injury report including Jerami Grant (hamstring - doubtful), Malcolm Brogan (elbow - out), Andersen Simons (knee - out), and Deandre Aston (elbow - Questionable). While this should open up a larger offensive role for Scoot, the player that has actually seen the greatest jump is Dalano Banton. Scoot has scored 20+ points in just 8 games this season and still is just 1/4 on the line without both Grant and Simons. Couple this history with the fact that Miami plays at the third-slowest Pace in the NBA since the ASB and I expect points to be at a premium. I expect Scoot to go under 19.5 points.