The Miami Heat (19-14) continue their West Coast road trip when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers (17-17) Wednesday night. Both teams have lost their last two games and will hope to end their losing streak in this contest, which tips off at 10 p.m. ET and airs on ESPN. The Heat won the first meeting between these teams this season 108-107.
There’s a loaded injury report for this game. Jimmy Butler and Haywood Highsmith are out, while Caleb Martin is doubtful and Josh Richardson is questionable. For the Lakers, Rui Hachimura is out and D’Angelo Russell is doubtful. LeBron James is questionable, while Cam Reddish and Anthony Davis are probable. James is expected to play, as he’s played nearly every game despite having the questionable tag.
The Lakers are 5.5-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total coming in 229. Los Angeles is -218 on the moneyline while Miami is +190.
Heat vs. Lakers, 10 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Lakers -5.5
The Heat had actually won four games in a row without Butler before the star forward returned against the Jazz. He only played 22 minutes in that game, and Miami lost. The Heat lost to the Clippers with Butler out as well. They are 7-4 ATS this season as the road underdog but this Lakers team is excellent at home. Los Angeles is 11-4 straight up as the home team this season, and should be motivated to halt its losing run as it begins a nice home stand. I like the Lakers to win and cover in this game.
Over/Under: Under 229
The Lakers are one of the most under-friendly teams in the league at home with a 5-9 mark on overs. This is largely due to Los Angeles’ defense performing substantially better at home. The Heat are 7-11 on overs as the road team, and have gone under the total in all three of their games on this road trip so far. I like the under to hit in tonight’s contest.