Injury Report, Updated Odds (3/8): Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat

After taking a day off, the Oklahoma City Thunder will return to action on Friday when they play the Miami Heat at home. Despite the fact that both teams have been playing well since the All-Star break, they have lost three of their previous five games. Miami, which is now ranked as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, is hoping to move up the standings. With a 1.5-game swing,

they might be ranked fourth. The Thunder, who are now ranked second in

the Western Conference, believe they will finish in the top three and are only

in the process of choosing which of the three seeds to take.

The Thunder usually struggle in this matchup, but the Heat always manage to

handle the Thunder well, so when it matters most, this game might be a close, entertaining one.

INJURY REPORT Thunder: Adam Flagler, OUT (G League) Heat: Tyler Herro, OUT (Foot) Kevin Love, OUT (Heel) Caleb Martin, OUT (Thumb) Josh Richardson, OUT (Shoulder)

Adam Flagler is the only player not playing for the Thunder right now, and that is due to the G League, not an injury.

On the flip side, the Heat’s rotation is disrupted by real ailments. Nevertheless,

the Heat will find a way to play this game extremely competitively with Jimmy

Butler and Bam Adebayo. The group is renowned for having a ton of depth and

for having players stand up most when it matters most.

UPDATED ODDS

In their home court game, where they are 24-6, the Thunder are an 8.5-point favorite. The spread seems reasonable on paper considering the Heat’s injuries and home-court advantage. The Heat consistently match up well with Oklahoma City and play competitively even if they are shorthanded, so the spread seems a little too much in the Thunder’s advantage. In the only meeting between the two clubs this season, the Thunder prevailed 128-120. They hope to win their second and last meeting of the season versus Miami.