The Miami Heat (22-23) drop by the Spectrum Center Friday to play the Charlotte Hornets (22-21) at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Heat-Hornets odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
Miami is on a five-game losing streak (0-5 ATS) including a heartbreaking 125-122 loss last night vs. the Portland Trail Blazers as 2.5-point underdogs where the Heat had a fourth-quarter double-digit lead despite being undermanned.
Charlotte bounced back after losing its first three on a five-game Western Conference road trip to win back-to-back games with the latest being a 122-97 blowout over the Houston Rockets.
The Hornets beat the Heat in their first meeting this season, 129-121 in overtime as 7.5-point road underdogs Feb. 1, and Miami wing Jimmy Butler played and was effective. The Heat made a big splash at the trade deadline acquiring SG Victor Oladipo and PF Nemanja Bjelica, but they will not be cleared to play until at least Monday.
Heat at Hornets: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:10 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Heat -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Hornets -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Heat +1 (-115) | Hornets -1 (-105)
- Over/Under: 213.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Heat at Hornets: Key injuries
Heat
- SF Jimmy Butler (stomach) questionable
- PF Nemanja Bjelica (acquisition) out
- SG Victor Oladipo (acquisition) out
- PG Goran Dragic (back) out
Hornets
- PG Brad Wanamaker (acquisition) probable
- PG LaMelo Ball (wrist) out
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Heat at Hornets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Hornets 111, Heat 104
Money line (ML)
Ball’s absence probably lowers Charlotte’s offensive ceiling, but the HORNETS (-110) have the depth to make up for it against a Miami team with an ultra-thin backcourt.
Charlotte PG Devonte’ Graham has balled out in his three career games against Miami; he’s averaging 23.3 points per game on .478/.538/.800 shooting with 6.3 assists per game.
Furthermore, Ball being sidelined opens up some usage for guard Terry Rozier, who’s having a career-year and wing Gordon Hayward, who can give Butler fits (if he plays tonight).
In Hayward’s previous three games against Butler, Hayward is scoring 24.3 points per game on 66.6% shooting and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Even though this is the “money line” section since this is essentially a coin-flip game there are applicable trends, and the Hornets perform better vs. the market in this spot.
Miami has the lowest cover rate in division games (2-7 ATS), and Charlotte is 5-1 ATS against Southeast Division opponents with the highest spread differential (plus-9.3 points).
Also, the Hornets are 7-4-1 ATS as a home ‘dog with a plus-6.3-point spread differential.
BET HORNETS (-110) for 1 unit.
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Against the spread (ATS)
PASS unless Charlotte gets up to a 2.5-point underdog then take the spread instead of the money line.
Over/Under (O/U)
PASS with a lean on Under 213.5 (-110) because Miami plays at the 3rd-slowest pace in the Association and Charlotte will run more half-court offense with Graham replacing Ball at point guard.
However, BetMGM put this total a little too low for there to be any value betting it.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
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Also see:
- Bet Slippin’ Podcast: 2021 MLB National League Betting Preview
- 2021 NBA Trade Deadline Tracker: Every move made on Thursday (Lonzo Wire)
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
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