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The Miami Heat (0-1) and Charlotte Hornets (1-1) meet Saturday at Spectrum Center with tip-off set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Heat vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Heat swept 4-0 last season
The Heat dropped their season opener as 2-point home favorites Wednesday, losing 116-97 to the Orlando Magic with the Over (208) hitting. G Terry Rozier scored a team-high 19 points with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. However, Miami’s struggles on the glass were evident as they were outrebounded 57-41, contributing to the loss.
The Hornets fell to the Atlanta Hawks 125-120 Friday but managed to cover by the hook as 5.5-point road underdogs with the Over (227) hitting. PG LaMelo Ball had a wild game, leading the Hornets with 34 points while also committing 10 turnovers and fouling out with 6:50 left in the game. C Nick Richards contributed a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. However, Charlotte struggled defensively, allowing the Hawks to shoot 48.1%.
Heat at Hornets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 2:34 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Heat -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Hornets +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
- Against the spread (ATS): Heat -7.5 (-105) | Hornets +7.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Heat at Hornets key injuries
Heat
- C Kel’el Ware (illness) out
- F Kevin Love (personal) out
- G Josh Richardson (heel) questionable
Hornets
- G LaMelo Ball (tailbone) questionable
- G Seth Curry (knee) questionable
- F Josh Green (Achilles) out
- G/F Cody Martin (core) questionable
- G/F Brandon Miller (glute) out
- C Mark Williams (foot) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Heat at Hornets picks and predictions
Prediction
Heat 112, Hornets 102
Moneyline
PASS.
I have the Heat (-275) winning this one in Charlotte, but I’m not going to risk 2.75 units to win 1. I’d rather take my wager to the spread.
Against the spread
BET HEAT -7.5 (-105).
Miami is set to bounce back after a tough opening night from F Jimmy Butler (3 points) and C Bam Adebayo (9 points), who combined for 2-of-13 shooting. With 2 days of rest, Miami’s stars should make an impact on both ends of the court.
The Hornets’ slower pace aligns with Heat’s style, and with Adebayo anchoring the defense, Charlotte will struggle to score inside. Playing on consecutive nights could lead to fatigue for the Hornets, giving Miami a clear advantage. The Heat won and covered all 4 matchups against Charlotte last season, going 2-2 ATS.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 222.5 (-110).
Both the Heat and Hornets favor a slower pace of play, with both teams finishing in the bottom 10 of the NBA in possessions per game last season. Miami prides itself on defense, ranking in the top 5 for defensive rating a season ago. This trend has carried into their recent matchups with the Under hitting in 4 of their last 5 meetings.
With the line set in the 220s, this number feels too high, making the UNDER a strong play.
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