LA Lakers vs Miami Heat Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 4, 2024

Lakers vs Heat at Crypto.com Arena - Source: Getty
LA Lakers vs Miami Heat Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 4, 2024

The inconsistent LA Lakers take on an equally inconsistent Miami Heat in their third of the four road-game stretch at the Kaseya Center on Wednesday (Dec. 4). There was a time when both these jousted it out in the NBA Finals. Jimmy Butler was relentless against an in-form and versatile Purple and Gold outfit that went on to win the championship. Since then, it's been contrasting runs for both sides.

The Lakers have struggled in their last 10 games, dropping five of them. The Heat are yet to hit the .500 mark after holding on to it for a brief period. The lack of competition in the East sees them hanging on the seventh seed despite a 9-10 record. The West hasn't been so kind to LA as they went from being a top-five side to languishing in ninth place with a 12-9 record.

Miami host the Lakers on the back of a bashing at the hands of defending champions Boston Celtics. The latter head into the contest after being outplayed by the Minnesota Timberwolves with LeBron James struggling offensively. Anthony Davis had no answer to reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert and it ended with JJ Redick waving the flag midway into the fourth quarter.

Both sides are far from contenders at this point. However, there are good matchups to watch when the two teams square off on Wednesday. It's not news that Jimmy Butler has always enjoyed a tussle against James, while the Bam Adebayo vs Anthony Davis' 'Battle of the Bigs' has been a headliner each time they take the floor.

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While Adebayo isn't on the same level as his counterpart on offense, his physicality can be taxing for Davis. Butler and James' frontcourt matchup is equally intriguing as the two aging superstars have always notched up electric performances when they played against each other.

Led by smart tacticians in Erik Spoelstra and JJ Redick, the Heat vs Lakers skirmish promises a close contest. Can the Heat hit .500, or will the Lakers manage to return to winning ways?


LA Lakers vs Miami Heat Preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction

The LA Lakers vs Miami Heat matchup tips off at 7:30 pm ET. Local coverage will be on NBA TV, SportsNet LA, and FDSSUN. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Here are the odds as listed at the time of writing.

TeamsSpreadTotal (o/u)Moneyline
LA Lakers+2o217.5 (-112)+105
Miami Heat-2u217.5 (-110)-130

LA Lakers vs Miami Heat Preview

The Lakers have problems. LeBron James has begun to look old. Austin Reaves, one of their players who is as tough as they come has been on the mend, and Anthony Davis has gone cold in his last few games. Their bench, riddled with depth issues, inconsistency, and inexperience is struggling on both ends of the floor. This was one of the worst fears that side was pegged to experience, and now they find themselves slipping the rungs in an unforgiving Western Conference.

Their 24th-placed defensive efficiency doesn't help. LA is 21st in scoring defense averaging 114.9 points allowed on average and allowing 113.9 points per every 100 possessions. They are 26th in opponent FG% conceding 48.2% and 22nd in beyond-the-arc shooting allowing their competition to drain 36.7% of their shots. They are a poor rebounding outfit as well with 25th in offensive rebounds.

The Heat are coming off a 19-point loss to Boston, a side who they share an intense rivalry against. The absence of Jimmy Butler didn't help as they were outplayed on both ends of the floor. Their numbers are better on defense as they take sixth position in scoring defense with an average of 109.8 points allowed per game, and 109.8 points allowed per 100 possessions. They concede 46.4% of their FG (16th) and 35.8% from downtown (14th).

Their offense has sputtered as they average just 110.1 points per (21st in the league) when compared to LA's 17th-placed 112.3 points per every 100 possessions. It's Miami's defense vs the Lakers offense on Wednesday.


LA Lakers vs Miami Heat Predicted Starting Lineups

The LA Lakers have familiar names on the injury list, and with Austin Reaves (left pelvic contusion) listed as questionable, the guards's status remains uncertain. Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis) is probable. Jalen Hood-Schifino (left groin soreness) is listed as questionable as well. Ruled out of the contest are Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee).

If Reaves continues to sit out, LA will probably insert D'Angelo Russell in the starting lineup.

PositionPlayer
PGD'Angelo Russell
SGDalton Knecht
SFRui Hachimura
PFLeBron James
C Anthony Davis

The Heat have listed Jimmy Butler (right knee soreness) as questionable. Also on the list are veteran big Kevin Love (back spasms) and Josh Richardson (illness) in the questionable column. Nikola Jovic (left ankle sprain) is listed as out. There's a possibility that Miami might play the same starters as their last game.

PositionPlayer
PGTyler Herro
SGDuncan Robinson
SFJaime Jaquez Jr.
PFHaywood Highsmith
C Bam Adebayo

LA Lakers vs Miami Heat Betting Tips

LeBron James comes into the matchup with an o/u of -120/-122 on points. Austin Reaves has +102/-115 on points. Anthony Davis is -122/-120 on points and rebounds. Bam Adebayo is one to keep an eye out for with an o/u of -105/-128 on points + rebounds. Tyler Herro is -105/-120 on points.


LA Lakers vs Miami Heat Prediction

Can the LA Lakers find their mojo against an equally inconsistent Miami Heat side? LeBron James will be keen to strike form and the visitors will bank on Davis and their bench to add more substantial contributions to bounce back. It's all about grit and dog on Wednesday. Take the Lakers for a win as they duke it out in a tough showdown to emerge victorious.

Miami Heat Nation! You can check out the latest Miami Heat Schedule and dive into the Heat Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Aharon Abhishek
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