Hornets vs Heat Picks & Odds: Miami Looks To Hand Charlotte Its Seventh Straight Loss

The Miami Heat (4-7 SU, 2-9 ATS) will look to turn their early-season woes around on Thursday when they welcome the Charlotte Hornets (3-8, 4-7) to FTX Arena. Can Miami pick up a much-needed win on home court or will Charlotte finally snap its six-game losing streak? Find out in our Hornets vs Heat prediction.

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Hornets vs Heat Sportsbook Odds

The Heat opened as the big 10-point favorite at home with the total set at 217.5 points. The OVER is 6-3 in the last nine meetings between the two teams while Miami has won five straight games against Charlotte – another reason to like the hosts in your Hornets vs Heat prediction.

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Charlotte’s Offense Comes Up Short In Sixth Straight Loss

Charlotte suffered its sixth defeat in a row Wednesday, falling to the Portland Trail Blazers 105-95. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with just 18 points and Mason Plumlee had 16 points and 12 boards for a double-double while Damian Lillard topped the Trail Blazers with 26 points to lead all scorers.

While the Hornets have improved their defense compared to last season, it’s their offense that’s holding them back right now. Charlotte is scoring just 109.1 points per game – 24th in the NBA – while Rozier is the only player averaging at least 20 points per contest (22.8). Charlotte’s offense has been even worse over the six-game skid, with the team scoring a measly 97.3 points per outing.

Heat Fall To Trail Blazers Without Herro

The Heat took their second straight loss on Monday as they fell 110-107 to the Trail Blazers. Miami held an 81-73 lead going into the fourth quarter but gave up 37 points in the final frame as Portland stole the win. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Max Strus all scored 16 to top Miami while Anfernee Simons (25 points) and Jerami Grant (23 points) led the way for Portland.

Miami clearly missed Tyler Herro in Monday’s loss as the point guard was sidelined with a left ankle sprain that also leaves him questionable for Thursday’s matchup. Herro is averaging 19.6 points per game, second on the team to Butler (20.9), and has started in all 10 of his appearances this season.

Hornets Player Prop: Rozier OVER 24 Points (+134)

Rozier has been limited this season due to an ankle injury, appearing in just five games so far. The shooting guard has been solid since returning to the lineup, though, averaging 22 points in his last three appearances. If the Hornets are going to win, Rozier will likely have to hit the OVER on 24 points.

Hornets: Keys To Victory

After owning one of the worst defenses in the league last season, the Hornets have tightened up and rank 16th through their first 11 games of 2022-23. The problem is that their offense, which ranked third at 115.2 points per game last year, is now non-existent. If the Hornets are going to snap their skid, they’ll need Kelly Oubre Jr. and PJ Washington to help out Rozier.

Heat: Keys To Victory

Like Charlotte, Miami has had a terrible start to the season on the offensive end of the court, scoring just 108 points per game – the fourth-worst mark in the NBA. With Herro questionable for Thursday’s game, the Heat will need Butler and Adebayo to step up in a big way. Butler’s season high is just 27 points – he should be aiming to at least equal that mark if Miami is going to earn the win.

NBA Computer Pick: Miami -10

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