Lakers vs Heat Prediction
The Heat are still keeping an eye on Tim Hardaway Jr who is questionable due to personal reasons, while the Lakers have ruled out Ziaire Williams and Adou Thiero again. The Heat really put it all together in their last victory, but it’s hard to get too excited about beating the severely depleted Pacers.
In contrast, the Lakers haven’t been perfect, but they’ve been playing great basketball from opening night, and they have Doncic, who has been on fire so far. The Heat would love to steal a win here, and an upset isn’t out of the question given that the Lakers are playing their second game of a back-to-back set, but it’s hard to go past the Lakers while they’re playing this well.
Miami Heat Betting Preview
The Miami Heat look to have moved on from their opening four-game losing streak as they are now aiming for a third straight victory after blowing past the Pacers in a 145-125 home win on Friday. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with a triple-double of 31 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists; Bam Adebayo added 27 points on 11-of-14 shooting while Klay Thompson drained seven 3-pointers to finish with 25 points.
As a team, the Heat shot a sizzling 58 percent from the field and 18 of 40 from the 3-point line as they held the Pacers to just 19 points in the second quarter to take a narrow lead, before the Heat poured in 77 points in the second half to secure their first home victory.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the LA Lakers have been in great form as they’ve won five of their first seven games, and they will be eager to keep it going after sneaking past the Raptors in a 131-125 home win last night. Luka Doncic led the team with 45 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and five steals on 12 of 23 shooting; Austin Reaves added 19 points, while Walker Kessler tallied 16 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks.
As a team, the Lakers shot a healthy 54 percent from the field and 18 of 37 from the 3-point line as they dominated the first three quarters to lead by as many as 26 points, before they survived a late scare from the Raptors who cut the lead to just five points with 43.7 seconds remaining.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last 11 home games following a home win.
- The Heat have lost seven of their last eight road games against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Heat have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight road games against Western Conference opponents following a win.
Why the Miami Heat will win
- The underdogs have won three of the Heat’s last four games.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last two games as favorites following a win.
- The Heat have covered the spread in seven of their last eight road games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Heat’s last eight road games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the last four games between the Heat and Lakers have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 30th in the league for opponent steals per game this season (11.0).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.0).
- The Heat rank T1st in the league for Q4 points per game this season (31.7).
- Three different Heat players have scored 25+ points in a game this season- the most in the league.