The Miami Heat will visit the Los Angeles Clippers in the second of two meetings this season. The Heat won their first matchup by a score of 115-110.
The 19-18 Heat are currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference as they have won seven of their past 10 games. Miami has been awful offensively, ranking 30th in points per game and 25th in offensive rating. Their defense, however, has been elite as they rank fourth in opponents points per game and seventh in defensive rating.
The 21-17 Clippers are in fifth place in the Western Conference, however, they have lost their past two games. The Clippers have also been awful offensively, ranking 28th in points per game and 26th in offensive rating. Like Miami, however, they are elite on the less flashy side of the ball, as they rank third in opponents points per game and sixth in defensive rating.
The Heat are 8-10 on the road, while the Clippers are 11-7 at home.
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Clippers Match Details
Fixture: Miami Heat at Los Angeles Clippers
Date and Time: Monday, January 2, 2023, 10:30 pm EST
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet at FanDuel Sportsbook
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report
The Miami Heat have listed star forward Jimmy Butler as probable as he manages a right knee injury. Starting forward Caleb Martin is listed as questionable with a left quadriceps strain. Forward Duncan Robinson and guard Gabe Vincent are also questionable to suit up as they deal with a left hamstring strain and left knee effusion, respectively. Center Udonis Haslem is also listed as questionable with right achilles tendinosis, while center Dewayne Dedmon is out as he remains in the league's health and safety protocols. Forward Nikola Jovic and center Omer Yurtseven are also listed as out due to lower back spasms and left ankle surgery, respectively.
The Los Angeles Clippers have listed star forward Kawhi Leonard as questionable with a non-COVID illness. Forward Nicolas Batum is also questionable with a left ankle sprain.
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds and Spread
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
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Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Clippers Starting 5s
Heat - PG Kyle Lowry, SG Tyler Herro, SF Jimmy Butler, PF Caleb Martin, C Bam Adebayo
Clippers - PG Reggie Jackson, SG Paul George, SF Kawhi Leonard, PF Marcus Morris Sr., C Ivica Zubac
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Prediction
The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers have both underperformed relative to expectations. While the Heat have several role players who may not suit up, all signs point to Jimmy Butler returning after a one-game absence. Meanwhile, the Clippers could be without Kawhi Leonard, a late addition to the injury report. Look for Miami to take advantage as they win this contest outright.
Prediction: Miami Heat ML (+100)
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet at FanDuel Sportsbook
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