The Los Angeles Lakers (12-9) and Miami Heat (9-10) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from the Kaseya Center in Miami. The game will be broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Heat are 2.5-point favorites over the Lakers on the spread (Heat -2.5), with the over/under set at 216.5 total points. Miami is a -150 favorite to win outright, while Los Angeles is +125 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Lakers vs. Heat predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, December 4.
Lakers vs. Heat NBA Picks, Prediction
Spread
My Heat vs. Lakers best bet is on Miami to cover the spread as short home favorites. Always be sure to shop for the best price using our live NBA odds page.
Moneyline
I'm passing on the moneyline, but would prefer the Heat over the Lakers.
Over/Under
I'm passing on the over/under.
My Pick: Heat -2 (Play to -2.5)
Lakers vs. Heat NBA Odds, Point Spread, Total, Lines
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 216.5 -110 / -110 | +125 |
| Heat Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 216.5 -110 / -110 | -150 |
- Lakers vs Heat spread: Lakers -2.5
- Lakers vs Heat over/under: 216.5 points
- Lakers vs Heat moneyline: Lakers +125, Heat -150
- Lakers vs Heat best bet: Heat -2 (Play to -2.5)
Lakers vs. Heat NBA Preview
LeBron James and the Lakers travel to South Beach for a matchup against the Miami Heat.
Neither team is having a particularly strong season, but these games between LeBron and his old team are always a treat.
Since leaving the Heat in 2014, LeBron has averaged 29.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 turnovers. While he certainly doesn't have a consistent ceiling this season, his fastball is still there for certain occasions.
The Heat have listed Jimmy Butler (knee), Josh Richardson (illness), and Kevin Love (back) as questionable to play on Wednesday, while Nikola Jovic (ankle) has been ruled out. The Lakers listed Anthony Davis (foot) as probable, Austin Reaves (pelvis) as questionable, Jalen Hood-Schifino as questionable, and Jaxson Hayes (ankle) as out on the report for this game.
The Heat rank 16th among NBA teams in Adjusted Net Rating (-0.3), and the Lakers rank 18th (-1.2), per Dunks and Threes.
The Lakers' biggest struggle has been their transition defense. They have the worst transition defense in the league, and their opponents score 140.1 points per 100 plays.
The problem for Miami is that despite being strong in transition, the Heat run the floor at the third-lowest frequency in the league, per Cleaning the Glass.
On the flip side, the Lakers have been strong in the halfcourt on offense, and this has been a relatively weak point for Miami despite having the 12th-best Adjusted Defense in the league.
The Lakers' issue here will be that Miami takes a high frequency of 3s and makes 14.6 3s per game (ninth most). Miami's positive 3-point margin helps in these close games.
Lakers vs. Heat NBA Prediction
This game should be close, but we must monitor Butler's status.
The Heat are 4.1 points better when he is on the floor this season, and considering he missed the last game against Boston, it certainly is possible he remains out with their next game not coming until Saturday.
Regardless, I think the spot favors Miami at home with the Lakers amid a road trip.
I'll grab Miami at -2 and would play to -2.5.
For an SGP, let's build out Heat Moneyline, LeBron 20+ points, Anthony Davis 10 Rebounds.
Best Bet: Heat -2.5 (-110)
Same Game Parlay: Heat ML, LeBron James 20+ Points, Anthony Davis 10+ Rebounds (+241)
