The Miami Heat (7-4) suffered a narrow defeat in their last game at the Staples Center against the Los Angeles Lakers (6-4) on Wednesday and hope to bounce back on Thursday. They’ll return to the same venue to take on the pipping-hot Los Angeles Clippers in an interconference matchup. Los Angeles has won its last five games, so stealing a road game won’t be easy for the visitors, especially with Jimmy Butler (ankle) out for this one.
Tipoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. The latest Heat vs. Clippers odds from Caesars Sportsbook list Los Angeles as a 4.5-point favorite. The over-under for total points is set at 211.5. Before making any Clippers vs. Heat picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned over $9,000 in profit on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters Week 4 of the 2021-22 NBA season up over $500 on all top-rated NBA picks this season. It’s also on a stunning 110-73 roll on top-rated NBA picks against the spread that dates back to last season. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Heat vs. Clippers and revealed its NBA picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Clippers vs. Heat:
- Heat vs. Clippers spread: Clippers -4.5
- Heat vs. Clippers over-under: 211.5 points
- Heat vs. Clippers money line: Clippers -200, Heat +170
- MIA: The over has hit in five of the Heat’s last six games
- LAC: The Clippers are 5-0 ATS in their previous five games against the Heat
Featured Game | Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat
Why the Heat can cover
The Heat were plagued by injuries last year and have bounced back in 2021-22. Kyle Lowry is thriving in South Beach, and Tyler Herro has emerged as one of the NBA’s best bench scorers. Miami’s improvement on defense has made it one of the league’s best teams against the spread, though.
Three teams have better records against the spread than the Heat. They’re 3-3 straight up and against the spread on the road. Miami’s ability to force tough shots with versatile defenders has helped them cover consistently this year. Miami is holding opposing teams 43 percent shooting and averages a league-high 48.8 rebounds per game. The Clippers are one of the league’s worst rebounding teams, so the underdogs have a shot at dominating the boards and covering on the road for the fourth time this season.
Why the Clippers can cover
Los Angeles has had to adjust without Kawhi Leonard (knee) in the fold and has had a strong run lately at Staples Center. George and his supporting cast have won three consecutive home games. The Clippers’ last two home wins were by at least eight points, and they could win big again on Thursday.
Only four teams give up fewer points per game at home than Los Angeles this year. The Clippers rank fourth in defensive rating at the Staples Center. The Last time Miami faced a top-notch defense on the road, it fell short 113-96 against the Denver Nuggets. Now the Heat are dealing with injuries to several key players. The Clippers are healthy save Marcus Morris (knee) and have a reliable first option in George.
How to make Heat vs. Clippers picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning under on the total, projecting 210 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only get the model’s picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Clippers vs. Heat? And which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
