Heat vs Lakers Picks & Odds: Miami Favored On The Road Against Banged-Up LA

The Miami Heat (20-18 SU, 14-22-2 ATS) head to Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday to tip off against the Los Angeles Lakers (16-21, 15-21-1). Miami has four wins in its last five outings – can the visitors stay hot in Los Angeles? Find out in our Heat vs Lakers prediction. 

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Heat vs Lakers Sportsbook Odds 

The Heat opened as the 3.5-point favorite on the road with the total set at 224.5 points. The UNDER is 11-4 in the last 15 meetings between the two teams at Crypto.com Arena while Miami has won four of its last five games vs Los Angeles, giving the visitors an edge in our Heat vs Lakers prediction.  

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Adebayo, Herro Stay Hot vs Clippers

The Heat picked up their second straight win on Monday, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 110-100. Bam Adebayo had 31 points and 13 rebounds to lead the team while Tyler Herro had 23 points of his own. Paul George scored 25 and was the only player to finish with more than 14 for the Clippers.

Miami has been hot since mid-December, winning eight of its last 11 contests. The Heat, who own the NBA’s third-best defense at 109.4 points against per game, have allowed an average of just 107.1 points through that 11-game span. Adebayo and Herro have provided most of the offensive spark for Miami in recent games, with Adebayo scoring 30-plus in two straight and Herro averaging 26 over his last three outings.

James Scores 43 To Lead Lakers Past Hornets

The Lakers earned their second consecutive win on Monday as they topped the Charlotte Hornets 121-115. LeBron James scored 43 points to record his second straight game of 40-plus points and added 11 rebounds for the double-double. Terry Rozier (27 points) and LaMelo Ball (24 points) were the top scorers for the Hornets in a losing effort.

James has been on a tear since the start of December, averaging 31.2 points per game in the month while scoring 30-plus in nine of his last 11 contests. The 38-year-old has been dealing with ankle soreness and is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup, while Russell Westbrook (foot) is probable and Anthony Davis (foot) remains out.

Heat Player Prop: Herro OVER 24 Points (+110)

After a sluggish start to the season, Herro has increased his scoring rate drastically – he averaged just 16.9 points per game in November but saw that rate bump up to 24.3 in December. The point guard has scored 24 or more in five of his last 10 outings, so he has a good shot at hitting the OVER against the NBA’s fourth-worst defense.

Lakers Player Prop: James OVER 33 Points (+108)

Despite dealing with an ankle issue, James has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, his last two games were actually his highest-scoring performances of the season. Though 33 points is a lofty target, James will get plenty of touches with Davis out and it’s hard to bet against the hot hand if he’s good to go.

Heat: Keys To Win

The Heat are one of the toughest defensive squads in the NBA and they’ll have to flex those muscles against the Lakers, who own the seventh-best offense in the league. Of course Los Angeles has taken a hit with Davis out, but James has made up the difference offensively. Miami will need to home in on James to make sure he doesn’t take over the game.

Lakers: Keys To Win

The Lakers can put up points even with Davis out, but their defense has been incredibly leaky. Los Angeles has allowed 122.5 points per game through its last eight contests – unless they can clean it up a bit defensively, not even a super-powered James can earn them many wins.

NBA Computer Pick: Heat -5

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