Line: Miami -12.5, Total: 211
The Heat (30-12 SU, 18-24 ATS) started their four-game homestand on Tuesday, a tough 93-86 win over Boston as 9-point favorites in a game that was tied with under two minutes left. Miami also struggled on its recent six-game road trip (2-4 SU and ATS), with one of the covers a fortunate 104-96 OT win at Charlotte as 6.5-point favorites.
Wade (knee) is day-to-day after missing the last three games and four of the last six. Veteran Ray Allen is starting in his place, but there’s simply no way to replace Wade’s 18.9 PPG, although LeBron James (26.2 PPG) has stepped up his scoring with 31 PPG over the last three.
The Lakers (16-26 SU, 23-18-1 ATS) are destined for the lottery, but are showing no quit even playing without Kobe Bryant and their top-three point guards – Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar. Los Angeles is 2-2 SU and 4-0 ATS on its current seven-game Grammy road trip, covering in its last five overall.
Recently-signed point Kendall Marshall, a streaky shooter, is averaging 9.1 assists in his 14 games. Rookie Ryan Kelly has started at power forward the last two games but looks like a terrible defensive matchup against James. Sixth-man Nick Young (30 PPG the last two) will need to be remain hot to keep this close.
These teams met on Christmas with Miami getting a 101-95 road win as 9.5-point favorites. The Lakers haven’t had success playing in South Beach even with Bryant, as they're 0-5 SU and ATS over their last five at American Airlines Arena.
To read our full NBA betting preview for Thursday night, including a pick on the Nuggets-Blazers, visit The Linemakers on Sporting News.
