The Los Angeles Lakers (6-1) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they square off against the Miami Heat (6-2) at Staples Center. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 8, 2019, and will air on NBATV.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 215.5 points with Los Angeles set as an 8-point favorite.
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers Free Prediction
The Heat come in on a high note after beating the Phoenix Suns in their last matchup, 124-108, as 4.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (232) came in well over the projected point total of 210.5. Miami’s 0.640 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Phoenix, who had a rate of 0.506. The Heat’s mark was above their season average of 0.539. With 34 points on 11-for-16 shooting, Jimmy Butler was the game’s leading scorer.
In the Lakers’ previous game, they beat the Chicago Bulls, 118-112, but were not able to cover as 7-point favorites. The total points for the game (230) finished well over the projected point total of 214.5. The Lakers, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.6, had a mark of 25.5, while the Bulls had a free throw rate of 0.141 (below their season average of 0.188). With 30 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, Los Angeles’ LeBron James led the way with his second triple-double this year.
It will be a matchup of contrasting styles as the fast-paced Lakers will look to push the more grind-it-out Heat. Dating back to last season, the Lakers rank third in possessions per game while the Heat are 23rd.
Miami holds records of 6-2 straight up (SU) and 5-1-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total high when the Heat are involved, as four of their seven games have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS. Games featuring the Lakers also tend to go under the total (57.1 percent).
The Lakers won both matchups against the Heat last season. In the most recent matchup, Los Angeles won 108-105. The Lakers had a better turnover percentage (10.8 vs. 14.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.133 vs. 0.106).
Heat vs. Lakers Odds Pick
Prediction: Heat +8
Betting Trends:
Miami ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (23.4) while Los Angeles ranks 21st (24.8).
Miami ranks 13th in three pointers attempted per game (32.5) while Los Angeles ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (33.7).
The Lakers average 16.9 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Heat rank 23rd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.4).
