Miami Heat vs LA Clippers betting tips and predictions for Thursday’s NBATV clash. The Clippers are looking for their 6th win in a row as they host the 7-4 Miami Heat. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Miami Heat
With 3 defeats in their last 4 games, the Miami Heat aren’t looking as invincible as they did after their 6-1 start. Last night against the Lakers they suffered their 3rd loss on the road as it finished 120-117 in OT. The Heat have other issues on their mind right now though. Jimmy Butler played only 13 minutes last night after he sprained his ankle in the first half. His status is unclear for tonight and we don’t really have to say that this Miami team isn’t anywhere near as good without him. Tyler Herro once again had a big performance with 27 points off the bench, expect similar numbers from him tonight if Butler is unavailable.
LA Clippers
The Clippers have slowly creeped back into 6th position in the West standings after their latest win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. All five starters scored in double figures, led by Paul George who had 24 points. Nicolas Batum had a surprising effort with 22 which was his highest point total since the 2017-18 season. Looking at their win streak we can see that their last 3 wins were all against teams with a losing record, so I’m not yet ready to jump on the bandwagon until they beat someone really good. They have a pretty solid record against Miami in recent meetings winning 7 of the last 10 games and covering the spread in 5 straight at Staples Center against them.
Injuries have pilled up for the Heat and it’s taking a toll on them. I have a feeling they’ll be without Butler here and that changes the entire outlook of tonight’s game. LA is in solid form, they are playing elite defense and should have enough to get the win at home here. Give me the Clippers to cover.
LA Clippers – Miami Heat Odds
LA Clippers – Miami Heat Predictions
Back LA Clippers -2.5 Point Spread at -110 odds on bet365!
Both teams are elite on defense – Clippers rank 2nd allowing 99.1 points per 100 possessions while Miami is just 3 spots below allowing 101.4 points. The under has cashed in 7 of the last 8 Clipper games against Eastern Conference teams and in 6 of their last 8 played on a Thursday. Miami did allow 120 against the Lakers last night, but they had to adjust to not having Jimmy Butler mid-game and the game also went to OT, so that’s really not a realistic number. They are scoring 104.9 points per game in their last 10 against the Clippers, while LA is averaging 107.9 against the Heat. Neither team has shot the ball well in those 10 games, Clippers are at just 45% while Miami is at 43%. With so many players out with injures I just feel like the Heat will focus more on trying to stop the Clippers than to run with them, as that’s one battle they’ll definitely lose. Let’s back the under in this one.
Under 214.5 Total Points available at -110 odds on bet365!
