Tag: Miami Heat

Get ready for Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals, as the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat will face off against each other on Sunday, October 11.  

Although the Lakers opened the series with a couple of wins while dominating their rivals on both sides of the ball, the Heat fought bravely over the previous three encounters and pulled off a couple of upsets. 

Miami is still on the verge of elimination, so we’ll see another dramatic clash Sunday in the NBA bubble. The NBA Playoffs betting continues, so we bring you the best betting pick for the Lakers versus Heat showdown along with the most important betting tips and notes. 

The Line

According to BetDSI, the Lakers are 5-point favorites in this one, while their moneyline odds sit at -200. The Heat are listed as +180 moneyline dogs with a total of 214.5 points on BetOnline.  

Injuries/Suspensions

The Lakers are coming in full strength, though Anthony Davis suffered a minor heel injury in Game 5. The Heat are still missing Goran Dragic (foot), and the veteran point guard should remain on the sidelines for the rest of the series. 

What’s at Stake?

The Lakers blew their first chance to win their 17th title in franchise history last Friday, losing 111-108 to the Heat in Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals. 

On the other side, Miami wants to become the second team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals. That would bring them their fourth championship and first since 2013 when LeBron James led the Heat. 

The Spot

This time, LeBron is leading the way for the Lakers, but he didn’t take the last shot in Game 5. Instead, he assisted Danny Green who missed the open 3-pointer, and the Heat somehow escaped with the victory. 

I thought the Lakers had the momentum on their side. Now, it seems like we’ll get another nail-biting finish Sunday. This Miami team just refuses to go away. 

The Matchup

The Heat used only seven guys in their rotation last time out, and Jimmy Butler played all but 38 seconds to finish the game with 35 points, 12 boards, and 11 assists. That was his second triple-double in the 2020 NBA Finals after posting 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 dimes in a 115-104 victory in Game 3. 

Furthermore, Butler had five steals, and his presence on the defensive end was essential for Miami, although LeBron James scored 40 points on 15-for-21 shooting from the field. 

Anthony Davis had 28 points and 12 boards, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 16 points, but the Lakers’ second unit shot 5-for-22 from the field for 14 points. On the other side, Kendrick Nunn scored 14 points off the bench on his own. 

The Heat made 42.4% of their 3-pointers which was another important factor, and Duncan Robinson finally found his mojo, finishing the game with 26 points and seven triples. 

If they want to tie the series, the Heat desperately need to continue making treys. The Lakers have more firepower at the low post, dominating the Heat on the glass in this series while scoring a lot of easy baskets in the paint. 

The Bets

I would be surprised if we don’t get another dramatic clash all the way to the end. Therefore, I’m backing the Heat to cover a 7-point spread at -150 odds, although I think the Lakers will finish the job in six games. 

Miami has dropped nine of its last 12 games against the Lakers, but the Heat are 5-1 ATS in their previous six matchups with Los Angeles. With so much on the table for both sides, I expect to see a tight battle down the stretch. The Lakers are an experienced team, but even if they win, it won’t be an easy task. 

After a two-day break, the 2020 NBA Finals betting action goes on with Game 5 between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Lakers need one more win to clinch their 17th title in franchise history and tie with the Boston Celtics atop of the list. The Heat, on the other side, are in dire straits, but they won’t go away easily, promising a great battle for the rest of the series. 

I have prepared the most important betting tips and trends for Friday’s clash in the NBA bubble, so let’s take a closer look, as down below will be my best betting pick for Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals, too. 

The Line

The Lakers are 7-point favorites on BetDSI, and their moneyline odds sit at -310. The Heat are +260 dogs to win straight up, while the totals are set at 216.0 points on BetOnline.  

Injuries/Suspensions

Miami will be without Goran Dragic once again, as the 34-year-old guards suffered a foot injury in Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals. Bam Adebayo hurt his neck in the opener and missed the next two games, but he returned last Tuesday and should be available for Friday’s contest.

On the other side, the Lakers are coming in full strength. 

What’s at Stake?

The Heat’s season is on the line, and they will try to prolong it for at least one more game. Only one team has ever managed to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Playoffs. 

The Spot

After a 102-96 defeat in Game 4, the Heat cannot afford another loss and will be under huge pressure in Game 5. At least, they had a couple of days to rest and prepare, but the Lakers are undoubtedly a more experienced team than the Heat. 

The Matchup

Miami outlasted LA 115-104 in Game 3 thanks to Jimmy Butler’s triple-double, while the team played excellent defense and executed very well on the offensive end. The Heat shut down Anthony Davis who finished the game with just 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field. 

However, the Heat couldn’t replicate that performance in Game 4. Davis had 22 points on 8-for-16 from the field; LeBron James posted 28 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was an X-factor with 15 points and five dimes including a huge triple down the stretch. 

Both teams shot below 45.0% from the field and committed 15 turnovers each, but the Lakers handed out seven assists more than their opponents (25-18). Los Angeles posted three rebounds more than Miami (42-39), and the Heat can be satisfied with their job on the glass. The Lakers combined for 27 offensive rebounds in Games 2 and 3. 

Bam Adebayo returned to the floor in Game 4 and accounted for 15 points and seven rebounds. Jimmy Butler had 22 points, 10 boards, and nine assists, while Tyler Herro added 21 points. However, the Heat struggled offensively down the stretch and blew a nice opportunity to tie the series. 

The Bets

The previous contest was the tightest one in this series, and I expect to see more of the same in Game 5 on Friday night. The Heat are a hard-working team and will never give up, so they should be able to keep it close once more. 

Still, I’m looking for the Lakers to finish the job. They’ve learned a valuable lesson in Game 3, so I’m backing the Lakers to win and cover a 4.5-point spread at -170 odds. If you fancy Miami’s chances, I suggest you buy a few points as well. 

The Lakers have won seven of their last eight encounters with the Heat, but they are only 1-4 ATS in the previous five matchups with Miami. 

The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat continue their battle Tuesday night with Game 4 of the 2020 NBA Finals and things are heating up after Miami beat LA 115-104 in Game 3 this past Sunday. 

Now, the Lakers have a 2-1 lead and Game 4 will be a joy to watch. The NBA betting action goes on, too, so here’s the best betting pick for the Lakers versus Heat showdown along with all the key betting tips and trends.  

The Line

The Lakers are 7.5-point favorites on BetDSI, while their moneyline odds sit at -310. The Heat are +260 moneyline dogs with a total of 218.5 points. 

Injuries/Suspensions

Miami will be without Goran Dragic (foot), while Bam Adebayo (neck) is questionable to play after missing the previous two games. LA doesn’t have any serious injury worries. 

What’s at Stake?

Just 13 teams in NBA history managed to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the playoff series, and only the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James onwards did it in the NBA Finals, so the Heat don’t want to get into a 3-1 hole.

On the other side, LeBron and the Lakers should know that job is not done yet. 

The Spot

The Heat looked helpless in the first two contests of this series. However, they found a way to cope with the Lakers in Game 3 despite missing Dragic and Adebayo, so Sunday’s victory was a massive boost for Miami’s confidence. 

The Lakers, on the other side, should have learned a few lessons and will try to get momentum back on their side in Game 4. 

The Matchup

Anthony Davis was dominating the Heat through the first games of the series. He had 34 points and nine rebounds in the opener, and Davis posted 32 points along 14 boards in Game 2. However, he had a tough night on Sunday, taking just nine shots and finishing the clash with 15 points and five boards. 

LeBron James turned the ball over eight times after committing zero turnovers in Game 2, so the Lakers couldn’t expect to get anything from Sunday’s game. Markieff Morris and Kyle Kuzma combined for nine triples and 38 points off the bench, but that wasn’t enough against the resilient Heat. 

Jimmy Butler led the way for Miami with 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 dimes while shooting 14-for-20 from the field and 12-for-14 from the free-throw line. Five Heat players scored in double figures including Kelly Olynyk who posted 17 points and seven boards off the bench. 

Although they missed Bam Adebayo, the Heat somehow managed to deal with the Lakers on the defensive end. They will need more of the same in order to pull off another upset. 

Miami shot 51.2% from the field in Game 3 while outscoring the Lakers in the paint (52-34). That was another important factor in Miami’s victory, but the Heat continues to struggle on the glass. They allowed a whopping 27 offensive rebounds in the previous two games. 

The Bets

I got burned on Sunday, predicting the Lakers’ third straight win in the finals. The Heat really surprised me with their terrific defense, while they executed offensively like there was no pressure on their shoulders. 

Despite that performance, I expect the Lakers to gel the things and beat the Heat on Tuesday. However, I don’t feel comfortable with a 7.5-point spread. The Heat could easily keep it close, especially if Adebayo returns. 

Still, I think the Lakers are experienced enough to avoid another loss, so I’m buying a couple of points and taking the Lakers as 5.5-point favorites. LA won eight of its last 10 matchups with Miami but covered just five times in the process. 

The 2020 NBA Finals continue Friday, October 2, with Game 2 between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. This could turn out to be the key clash of this series, and you don’t want to miss it, so we’ve prepared all need-to-know tips and notes along with the best Heat versus Lakers betting pick.  

The Lakers took the lead Wednesday, easily outlasting the Heat 116-98. Miami struggled with injuries and could be in big trouble Friday night, so let’s take a closer look.   

The Line

The bookies listed the Lakers as firm 9.5-point favorites in Game 2, and LA is a -490 moneyline fave on BetDSI. The Heat are +395 underdogs to win straight up, while the totals are set at 216.5 points on BetOnline.  

Injuries/Suspensions

Miami will miss Goran Dragic (foot), and the 34-year-old guard is doubtful to return to the floor this postseason after suffering his injury in Game 1 against the Lakers. Bam Adebayo (shoulder, neck) couldn’t finish the opener, too, and he’s doubtful to play Friday night. 

The Lakers, on the other side, are coming in full strength. 

What’s at Stake?

The Heat cannot afford another loss, as just four teams in NBA history won the title after trailing 2-0 in the Finals. The 2006 Miami Heat did exactly that, but this Miami team is facing a much tougher rival, and the injury woes could make it really, really tough for Erik Spoelstra’s boys.  

The Spot

The Lakers have a nice chance to put huge pressure on their opponents. They are a very experienced bunch led by LeBron James, while the Heat have three rookies in their rotation.  

The Matchup

The Heat started Game 1 well and built a 23-10 lead. However, that was all we saw from Miami, as the Lakers took over and hit nine treys in the last 16 minutes of the first half to grab a 65-48 lead at halftime. 

The Lakers never looked back and led by as many as 32 points. LeBron James dictated the tempo and finished the game with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists. He turned the ball over just a couple of times, torturing Miami’s defense all the way. 

Anthony Davis marked his NBA Finals debut with 34 points, nine boards, and five dimes, while the Lakers limited their opponents on just 42.7% shooting from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc. 

As I’ve mentioned, the Heat lean on some rookies, and Duncan Robinson was scoreless in his NBA Finals debut, missing all his three shots. On the other hand, Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro both played well off the bench, combining for 32 points, nine boards, and five assists. 

Still, some older guys with much more playoff experience were terrible Wednesday. Andre Iguodala and Jae Crowder combined a -45 net rating, and they spent 25 minutes on the floor each. 

Bam Adebayo had eight points and four boards before leaving the game in the third quarter. His eventual absence would be a huge blow for Miami in Game 2, as the Lakers posted 18 rebounds more than the Heat in the opener. 

The Bets

The Lakers are undefeated in five straight meetings with the Heat, going 3-2 against the spread in the process. Considering Miami’s injury problems, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lakers sweep the series. 

However, that doesn’t mean the Heat won’t put on a fight and make Game 2 interesting to watch. This 9.5-point spread is a tricky one, and I don’t feel comfortable with it at all. If you want to tease one of the teams or buy a few points and take the Lakers at -6.5 or the Heat at +12.5, that’s a reasonable choice. 

And if you love to follow the betting trends, the under has hit in five of the last six encounters between the Heat and Lakers including Wednesday’s Game 1. Betting on the under at the 219.5-point line is another interesting move. The Heat have to execute well offensively, but they desperately need to slow down the Lakers. 

The 2020 NBA Finals betting action starts Wednesday, September 30, with the opening game of the Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers series. 

The Heat enter this matchup as huge underdogs, but they don’t care at all after beating some heavyweights in the East. The Lakers, on the other side, are expected to dominate the 2020 NBA Finals, sitting at -188 odds to beat the Heat in six or fewer games. 

Wednesday’s clash will tell us a lot about these two foes and what can we expect from them in the next two weeks, so here’s our bold prediction for Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Line

It’s safe to say that bookmakers think they know who will win the championship, setting the Lakers at -350 odds. The Heat are +275 underdogs to win the title, according to BetDSI, and Miami is a 4.5-point dog in Game 1 with the totals at 217.5 points. 

Injuries/Suspensions

There are no serious injury worries, and both Miami and LA are at full strength ahead of the opener. 

What’s at Stake?

Taking the first blood is always important, but it’s never essential. The Lakers dropped Game 1 in each of their first two playoff series in 2020, but they won the next four contests on both occasions to easily eliminate Portland and Houston. 

The Spot

The Lakers outlasted the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals in five games, going 4-1 in each of their three playoff series in the West. However, they had to break a sweat against the dogged Denver Team. 

The Heat swept the Pacers in the first round and stunned the top-seeded Bucks in five games in the Eastern Conference semis. They beat the Celtics in six games in the conference finals, so the Heat upset some odds on their way to the 2020 NBA Finals. 

The Matchup

The Lakers shot 49.8% from the field through the playoffs, dominating their rivals in the paint mostly thanks to Anthony Davis. The Brow is averaging 28.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this postseason while making 57.1% of his field goals and 36.6% of his 3-pointers. 

LeBron James is having a wonderful postseason, too. He’s tallying 26.7 points, 10.3 boards, and 8.9 assists per contest while shooting 54.7% from the field. 

The Heat have to slow down these two guys. Bam Adebayo struggled to cope with Davis in two regular-season meetings, but he’s improved a lot in the bubble, so we’ll see a great battle at five between two young and super talented players. 

Jimmy Butler will keep his eyeballs on LeBron, but Miami’s team defense will be a key factor, as the Heat will need to double-team Davis a lot. Miami is allowing 107.2 points per game this postseason, while the Lakers are surrendering 106.5 points per contest. 

The Heat are averaging 112.2 points per game on 45.9% shooting from the field and 35.7% from downtown. The Lakers are scoring 113.9 points per game while making 35.5% of their triples. On paper, these two foes match up very well, but we’ll see what will happen on the court. 

The Lakers possess more experience than the Heat who lean on a few rookies among the others. On the other hand, the Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is a two-time NBA champ, and he did it together with LeBron James. The Lakers head coach Frank Vogel enters his first NBA Finals. 

The Bets

Betting on the opening game of the 2020 NBA Finals is a tricky job. There’s no home-court advantage in the bubble, so I think we’ll see a tight battle, especially in the opener. Three of the last five meetings between the Heat and Lakers were decided by seven or fewer points. 

Hereof, picking the Heat to cover a 6.5-point spread seems like the best move. Miami is winless in four straight matchups with the Lakers including a couple of meetings this past regular season. The Heat are 1-6 SU and 3-4 ATS over their previous seven encounters with the Lakers, while the under is 4-1 in the last five H2H duels.