Los Angeles Lakers (20-17) vs Miami Heat (20-18)
Game Info: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 10:00 pm (crypto.com Arena)
Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers -4.5 -- Over/Under: 217.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: Spectrum Sports Net
The Miami Heat (20-18) are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers (20-17) on January 15, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Heat have ended their 3-game winning streak taking a loss to the Clippers on Monday night. They have a road record of 10-11 and are averaging 111.2 points per game, ranking 19th in the league. Defensively, they allow 109.3 points per game, showcasing a solid defensive presence.
The Lakers, holding a 20-17 record, have been strong at home with a 12-6 record at Crypto.com Arena. They average 111.8 points per game, placing them 16th in the league, and allow 113.9 points per game on defense. Injuries have been a concern, with Anthony Davis (plantar fasciitis) and LeBron James (foot injury) listed as day-to-day. Their availability could significantly impact the team's performance in this matchup. This game features two teams with similar records but differing styles, with the Heat emphasizing defense and the Lakers relying on their star power. The outcome may hinge on the health and availability of key players, particularly for the Lakers.
Tyler Herro Over 23.5 Points
Tyler Herro has been a standout performer for the Miami Heat during the 2024-25 NBA season. As of January 14, 2025, he is averaging 24.0 points per game, ranking him among the league's top scorers. Herro's shooting efficiency is impressive, with a field goal percentage of 46.9%. In addition to his scoring, Herro contributes 5.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, showcasing his versatility on the court.
The fact that we can still get Tyler Herro’s points at this line is such a steal. With the absence of Jimmy Butler, Tyler Hero has had to step up in a big way and be this Miami Heat team's main scorer. We saw him go back-to-back nights scoring 32 points. In what should be a competitive game in Los Angeles I don't see how Tyler Herro doesn't have another monster night scoring the ball.
Austin Reaves Over 6.5 Assists
Austin Reaves has been a key playmaker for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024-25 NBA season. He’s averaging 5.9 assists per game, which ranks him among the league's notable facilitators. In addition to his playmaking, Reaves contributes 18.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, while maintaining a field goal percentage of 43.8%. Notably, on January 4, 2025, Reaves recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists in the Lakers' 119-115 loss to the Houston Rockets, underscoring his ability to impact the game both as a scorer and a distributor.
Reaves has been quietly one of the better playmakers for this Lakers team. We've seen him clear this line of 6.5 assists in seven of his last 10 games and we even saw him have a 16 assist game against the Sacramento Kings. He has a favorable matchup going against the Miami Heat team who allowed 26.6 assists per game to opposing teams which is well above the league average.
Rui Hachimura Under 10.5 Points
Rui Hachimura is averaging 12.3 points per game. His shooting efficiency is notable, with a field goal percentage of 47.7%, including 43.8% from beyond the arc. Additionally, Hachimura contributes 4.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to support the team both offensively and defensively.
Hachimura is a solid piece for this Lakers team but he's just been inconsistent when it comes to a scoring perspective. We've seen him play in back-to-back games scoring less than double-digit points and he has another tough matchup going against this Heat team. The Miami Heat tend to slow things down and put emphasis on the defensive side of the ball. In this type of matchup, I'm looking for Hachimura to have a slow night.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
