The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Miami Heat as part of the 11-game NBA slate taking place tonight. Anthony Davis will prepare to lead the charge as Miami navigates the Jimmy Butler trade uncertainty.
The Lakers sit in seventh place in the Western Conference with a 20-17 record on the season. Miami also sits in seventh place in their respective conference and enters with a 20-18 record.
Anthony Davis is off to a strong start to the season and he has seen some increased responsibility in the JJ Redick-led system. Throughout the first 35 games, he is averaging 25.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 blocks across his 34.9 minutes of action.
The Lakers enter this game as five-point favorites and -205 on the Moneyline. The Heats hold +170 odds on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 214.5 points.
Best Anthony Davis Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Davis’ props are listed at over/under 24.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.5 made three-pointers and 42.5 combined points, rebounds and assists.
Anthony Davis Over 24.5 Points (-120)
The 25.9 points per game that Anthony Davis is tied with his output in the 2022-23 season for the most points he has scored with the Lakers. JJ Redick has leaned on the big man more than we have seen with LeBron James’ age surely playing a factor in this. Davis has recorded over 24.5 points in 20 of the 35 games he has played so far this season and should be in line to add to this total tonight.
Miami holds a reputation as a defensive-minded team but has not been as effective this season. They rank seventh in opponents’ points per game, 27th in rebounds allowed, and 16th in opponents’ points in the paint. Bam Adebayo has taken a step back this season and also has struggled against Davis in his career. Davis is 8-6 overall and 3-1 in the playoffs while averaging 25.9 points per game when facing Adebyo. The Heat big man is also officially listed as questionable with a back injury so his absence would further deepen the concern with how Davis will be guarded.
Davis has been the leading scorer and driving force of the Lakers offense from start to finish this year and don’t expect this to change tonight. Expect Redick and the Lakers to continue leaning heavily on Davis and for the nine-time All-Star to deliver. Miami does not offer the level of rim protection and paint resistance it requires to slow down the NBA Champion. Davis has recorded over 24.5 points in four of the past six games and look for him to add to this tonight.
Anthony Davis 5+ Assists (+205)
Don’t expect the scoring output to be the only place where Anthony Davis’ impact is felt tonight. He is adding 3.5 assists on the season which is notably higher than the 2.5 he has averaged throughout his career. Redick has trusted Davis as a decision-maker in the offense and the big man has seen some success.
His traditional over/under for assists is set at 3.5 with the under favored at -130 odds. However, the Heat run some unique defensive sets which involve multiple defenders attacking the man with the ball and play more zone than most NBA teams. The way to combat these from an offensive standpoint is to be fluent in the movement of the ball and be able to pick apart opposing teams as a passer. These opportunities will especially be maximized if Adebayo is unable to play.
Davis tallied eight assists just six games ago and has recorded five or more in ten games this season. This includes the first matchup with the Heat this season in which Davis finished with five assists. Expect the former number-one overall pick to be confident in his passing abilities and be prepared to pick the Heat defense apart when multiple bodies are thrown in his direction.
The +205 odds rightfully indicate this carries risk, but Davis has reached five assists against the Heat already this season and if Adebayo is forced to miss or be limited it will lead to more of Miami’s unique defensive looks. Count on Davis being prepared and be ready to punish his opponent as a passer.
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