Miami Heat

Miami turns up the Heat as Victor Oladipo returns to the lineup

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As we head into the final stretch of the 2021-22 regular season campaign, the NBA Playoff picture is becoming much clearer and championship candidates are demonstrating their potential. Amongst the teams underlining their prospects of going all the way this year, it’s hard to ignore just the exciting potential shown by the Miami Heat, who could make this a year to remember for their fans.

But perhaps the biggest story in recent weeks came as Miami Heat destroyed the Houston Rockets, convincingly winning 123-106 at the FTX Arena, during what became a festival atmosphere at the venue. It wasn’t just the result itself that inspired the fans, because even more important than the result, star man Victor Oladipo made his long-awaited return to action.

And boy did the Heat fans let Oladipo know just how much they had missed him. Chants of “O-la-di-po, O-la-di-po” were followed by a huge roar of approval, when the 29-year-old was introduced to the game during the first quarter. Making his first appearance since April 2021, this has been a long eleven months for the player, and for his adoring fans, who raised the roof when he added his name to the scoreboard.

Oladipo returning is almost like trading in a new superstar player, and if his form is up to scratch during the last run of games in the regular season schedule, it could also see him back in top shape and ready to help the Heat conquer the NBA Playoffs. That’s the ambition of this franchise, at the very least, having done so well only to fall at the final hurdle last year.

Heat Aiming to Defy the Odds

Regardless of Oladipo making his long-awaited return to the court, irrespective of how consistently this team has been winning without him with NBA All Star Jimmy Butler and two other all-star level players in Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, the vast majority of leading sportsbooks are still regarding the Miami Heat as outsiders for the NBA championship. Indeed, many oddsmakers continue to doubt their credentials for the Eastern Conference title.

Considering the winning form and momentum produced by the Heat since late December, this would indicate that bookies have some reservations, doubting whether the Miami franchise is capable of making a championship run in the Playoffs. It goes without saying, regular season form isn’t always the best indicator of championship potential, but quality performances from this team have matched the consistent results.

Heading into the final stretch of the regular season schedule, and with several teams boasting shorter odds for the championship, the Heat are increasingly turning heads of NBA fans around the globe. It’s also why comparing the odds available is definitely worthwhile, and in the United Arab Emirates, one expert guide is available which covers every angle when it comes to wagering.

Arabian Betting has produced a comprehensive list of the best online betting sites in the UAE, having carefully researched all the leading bookmakers that accept Emiratis, only recommending those with a proven track record for safety and security. Given that gambling is frowned upon in the UAE, they have useful guides explaining laws in the region, along with explaining how to remain anonymous online.

The Current NBA Championship Favorites

Even if topping the Eastern Conference isn’t enough to convince the bookies, the Miami Heat remain outside the top five contenders, according to the latest odds available. After mounting a superb 2020-21 campaign, which agonizingly fell short in the NBA championship game against the Milwaukee Bucks, oddsmakers are firmly behind the Phoenix Suns making another charge to the NBA Finals.

The Suns are undoubtedly the dominant force in the Western Conference, having registered an incredible 51 wins for just 13 losses at the time of writing. No rival team comes anywhere close to the Suns’ outstanding win-loss in the NBA standings, as head coach Monty Williams continues to do an excellent job in Phoenix. Indeed, it would be more surprising if they don’t win a championship under his impressive tenure, aided by the spectacular form of Cameron Johnson.

February brought us an incredible flurry of trading activity in the NBA, with the biggest deals being struck by the Brooklyn Nets. They sent James Harden and Paul Millsap to the Philadelphia 76ers, getting Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and Ben Simmons in exchange, plus first round picks in 2022 and 2027. These were shrewd moves by Nets GM Sean Marks, and already considered amongst the championship favorites, could make all the difference.

Also priced ahead of the Miami Heat according to the latest outright winner odds, the Philadelphia 76ers are tipped for success with the addition of James Harden, who could inspire a deep run for the NBA championship. Likewise, the resurgent Golden State Warriors are firmly back in business, having failed to reach the NBA Playoffs in each of the last two seasons. Whatever transpires at the sharp end of the season, we’re certainly in for a great ride.

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