We have just 3 NBA games on the docket tonight but one of those features an intriguing matchup between the LA Clippers and Miami Heat. Things have not been going well for the Clippers lately, and they just lost to Orlando last night. As for the Heat, Jimmy Butler’s absence is a blow and they need to start picking up wins if they are to prove they’re still a force in the east. Our NBA expert has picks, predictions and best bets for this huge Mavs vs Nuggets matchup, so let’s dive in.
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LA Clippers vs Miami Heat prediction
Kawhi Leonard has recently returned to action for the Clippers, but he is being eased back into the fold. The Clippers are yet to find their spark with him in the lineup, and it will be interesting to see how they manage now against this Heat team, especially on the 2nd night of a back-to-back. There is a lot going against Los Angeles, and Miami could have the edge.
LA Clippers vs Miami Heat spread, odds & betting lines
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Point Spread: Clippers +5, Heat -5
Total Points Over/Under: 213.5 points
Money Line Odds: Clippers +166, Heat -198
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LA Clippers vs Miami Heat expert picks
We’ve got 2 standout NBA picks for tonight’s game between the Clippers and Heat.
Clippers vs Heat point spread pick: Heat -5 (-110)
The Clippers lost outright to the Magic on Wednesday night, and now they travel to Miami to face a much tougher team in the Heat on the second night of a back-to-back. There will likely be several notable players on the injury report for this game, but the Heat are the better-rested team and playing on their home floor, so they should be able to squeak out a win.
For a team led by Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have significantly underperformed on the offensive end of the floor. In fact, they rank dead last in points per game. Although injuries have been a large reason for those struggles, LA is very limited on that end of the floor with the inconsistent performances from their stars combined with limited bench production. The Clippers have been able to stay afloat due to their defense, which ranks in the top 5 in defensive rating and opponent points per game. They should be able to slow down a shorthanded Miami team, but the Heat also thrive on defense and should be able to shut down the Clippers offense as well.
It’s uncertain if the Clippers will opt to rest any starters on the second night of a back-to-back, but if they do, it gives Miami an additional edge in a game for which they already have the rest and home-court advantage. This should be a tough, low-scoring game, but the Heat should have enough production to outlast the visitors.
Clippers vs Heat Over/Under totals pick: Under 213.5 (-110)
This should be a very low-scoring game featuring elite defenses and poor offenses. The Clippers rank dead last in points per game but make up for that weakness by ranking in the top 5 in defensive rating and opponent points per game. The Heat are slightly worse defensively, but they still rank very well with the 11th-best defensive rating and 9th in opponent points per game. The Heat should be able to shut down a fatigued Clippers offense that might also be missing several players on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Clippers should also be able to shut down a shorthanded Miami lineup that ranks 28th in points per game. This should be a low-scoring, physical game featuring little offensive production.
Check out our Clippers vs Heat Same Game Parlay at +1204 odds
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