The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat lock horns for the second and final time this season on Thursday at the Kaseya Center. The Lakers are on a hot streak, winning their last seven games and 10 out of 11. They are 44-25, strengthening their hold on the third seed.
Meanwhile, the 38-31 Heat enter this clash on a two-game losing streak after winning seven consecutive games. Miami had a solid opportunity to move up out of the play-in bracket, but the last two losses to Charlotte and Orlando kept it in seventh.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat Game Details
Spectrum SportsNet and FanDuel Sports Network Sun will locally televise the Lakers-Heat game. NBA League Pass will stream the contest live online. The game will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat Odds
Moneyline: Lakers +120, Heat -145
Spread: Lakers +3.5 (-110), Heat -3.5 (-110)
Total over/under: Lakers o239.5 (-110), Heat u239.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat Preview
The Lakers are one of the most in-form teams in the NBA. Over the past 11 games, they are third on offense with a 121.8 rating, seventh on defense with a 110.3 rating and fourth in net rating (11.5).
Unlike earlier in the year, Los Angeles is winning against several contenders who were favored to make a deeper playoff push, including Denver, New York, Minnesota and Houston, whom they beat twice in three nights recently. The Lakers beat the Rockets 124-116 on Wednesday and will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
On the other hand, the Heat seemed back to their best with a seven-game winning streak. They had notable wins over Detroit, Charlotte and Houston. However, consecutive losses to Orlando and Charlotte have derailed Miami. The Heat suffered a 136-106 loss to the Hornets on Tuesday.
It was arguably their worst performance of the year. Nevertheless, with rest and homecourt advantage, Miami will have a fair shot at snapping Los Angeles’ streak.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat Injury Reports
Lakers
The Lakers have yet to submit their official injury report. Maxi Kleber was the only player listed before Wednesday’s game against Houston.
Heat
The Heat have ruled out Andrew Wiggins due to a toe injury. Bam Adebayo is probable, citing a calf injury and Jaime Jaquez Jr. is questionable as he deals with left hip tightness.
Meanwhile, Terry Rozier remains suspended amid an FBI gambling investigation.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat Starting Lineups
Lakers
PG – Luka Doncic, SG – Austin Reaves, SF – Marcus Smart, PF – LeBron James, C – Deandre Ayton
Heat
PG – Davion Mitchell, SG – Tyler Herro, SF – Pelle Larsson, PF – Bam Adebayo, C – Kel’el Ware
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat Prediction
The oddsmakers favor the Heat by 3.5 points despite the Lakers having all the momentum. Miami’s rest advantage could be of immense benefit against a Lakers team that would have to travel from Houston and play again in less than 22 hours. While Los Angeles might have all its key players available, it’s unlikely that they would be 100% for this clash.
Nevertheless, the Lakers have battled through such adversity over the past few games, so it won’t be surprising if they steal another win on the road.
