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 -5 -- Over/Under: 217 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: Spectrum Sports Net
The Miami Heat and LA Lakers meet Wednesday in NBA action at the crypto.com Arena. Here’s a Miami Heat vs LA Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Miami Heat vs LA Lakers Pick.
Miami Heat Betting Preview
The Miami Heat beat the Trail Blazers, lost to the Clippers, and they play the Nuggets, Spurs, and Trail Blazers next. The Miami Heat are averaging 110.8 points on 45.4 percent shooting and allowing 109.3 points on 45.8 percent shooting. Tyler Herro is averaging 24 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Jimmy Butler is averaging 17.6 points and 5.5 rebounds. Bam Adebayo is the third double-digit scorer and Terry Rozier is grabbing 4.1 rebounds. The Miami Heat are shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc and 78.2 percent from the free throw line. The Miami Heat are allowing 35.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.6 rebounds per game.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers lost to the Spurs and Mavericks, and they play the Nets, Clippers, and Wizards next. The LA Lakers are averaging 111.6 points on 47.2 percent shooting and allowing 114.3 points on 47.8 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 25.9 points and 11.9 rebounds, while LeBron James is averaging 23.7 points and 7.6 rebounds. Austin Reaves is the third double-digit scorer and Rui Hachimura is grabbing 5.1 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc and 78.6 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 36.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.4 rebounds per game.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last four home games against Eastern Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Heat have lost four of their last five games at Crypto.com Arena following a loss.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in five of their last six home games against Eastern Conference opponents following a loss.
Why the Miami Heat will win
- The Heat have won four of their last five games as underdogs following a road loss.
- The Lakers have lost six of their last eight games as home favorites after losing as favorites.
- The Heat have covered the spread in each of their last four games as underdogs against the Lakers following a loss.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in 11 of their last 14 games as favorites against Southeast Division opponents.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Max Christie ranks 12th in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (87.0%) this season.
Miami Heat Player Facts
- Haywood Highsmith ranks 28th amongst qualified players for 3P% (41.9%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 3rd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (4.1).
- The Lakers rank 3rd in the league for free throws made per game this season (18.7).
- The Heat rank 2nd in the league for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (18.0).
- The Heat rank 2nd in the league for Q2 opponent points per game this season (26.3).
Miami Heat vs LA Lakers Injury Report
The Miami Heat will be without Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson, and Dru Smith. Bam Adebayo is questionable with a back injury, while Kel’el Ware is probable despite a foot issue.
The LA Lakers will be without Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, and Jalen Hood-Schifino. Dorian Finney-Smith is doubtful, while Bronny James is questionable. Anthony Davis and LeBron James have been upgraded to probable.
Miami Heat vs LA Lakers Prediction
The Miami Heat have won three straight games against the Lakers and seven of the last 10 games overall. The LA Lakers also have this thing where they pick and choose when they want to show up. That second half against the Spurs was inexcusable, especially when they had so much rest before then. I can understand wanting the points with the Heat. With all of that said, it's hard to back the Heat when they're already down Butler and could be without Bam again. Bam is the Heat's best defender and creates for others offensively. If Bam doesn't play, Davis is going to go nuts. The Heat lack the size and post presence as it is. Without Bam, it's curtains. Watch the injury report before betting, but at the time of this writing, I'd lay the points with the Lakers.
Randy’s Pick Los Angeles Lakers -5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
