Heat vs. Clippers prediction, odds, pick, spread

We’re back with another NBA betting prediction and pick as we head to Los Angeles for the next cross-conference matchup. The Miami Heat (20-17) will visit Los Angeles Clippers (20-17) as both teams open their season series. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Heat-Clippers predictions and picks.

The Miami Heat are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference and recently beat the Trail Blazers 119-98. They have now won three straight and are a solid 6-4 in their last 10 games. They will be looking to build a nice winning streak as short underdogs in the betting.

The Los Angeles Clippers are seventh in the Western Conference, falling last with a 126-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets. They are a modest 4-6 in their last 10 games and after some uncertainty in their schedule due to the recent wildfires in California, they will return to their home arena as betting favorites.

Here are the Heat-Clippers NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Heat-Clippers odds

Miami Heat: +5.5 (-110)

Moneiline: +188

Los Angeles Clippers: -5.5 (-110)

Moneilines: -225

Over: 215 (-110)

Under: 215 (-110)

How to watch Heat vs. Clippers

Time: 10:30 PM ET/ 7:30 PM PT

TV: Bally Sports Sun, Bally Sports SoCal, NBA League Pass

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the heat might cover the spread/win

The Miami Heat recorded their third straight win after the recent drama stemming from Jimmy Butler’s trade rumors and his current suspension. However, Tyler Hero has done a sensational job of becoming a new option for this team in terms of giving the ball away. He has scored at least 20 points in seven of their last 10 games and continues to have the green light to shoot. Terry Rozier and Jaime Jacques Jr. have also stepped up their efforts and the Miami Heat may be able to thrive without Butler on their team.

Rookie Nikola Jovic has also been a huge development for the Heat as his skill set begins to round out this season. While he’s a great presence in the paint with his length, he’s taken a step forward with his scoring and has tallied 20+ points twice in his last three games. This team prides itself on the defensive end of the floor, so they hope their offense can match the same pace they hope to outplay the Clippers.

Why the Clippers could cover the spread/win

The Los Angeles Clippers will be back in action after the recent wildfires in California, so they should feel like they’re playing for something bigger than themselves when they take the court in this one. Despite scoring 30 points in their last game, leading scorer Norman Powell was unable to lift them past the Denver Nuggets’ stout defense. James Harden will look to continue to facilitate this offense with his 7.9 APG, which ranks him seventh in the NBA.

The Clippers are shooting a slightly higher percentage from the field (46.3%) than their opponents, but their offense still ranks in the bottom half of the NBA in scoring. They will have to find options down low with the mismatch that Ivica Zubac has against a relatively smaller Heat interior. Look for him to have a great day rebounding for them as he does a good job of rebounding with second chances.

Heat-Clippers final prediction and pick

The Heat and Clippers will meet for the first time this season, with Los Angeles favored despite having the inferior offense. However, Ivica Zubac will have a huge advantage in the game and without Jimmy Butler’s defensive efforts for the Heat, the Clippers could see another big day from scoring Norman Powell.

However, Tyler Hero will continue to give the Heat a chance if he can continue this recent tear he’s been on. Miami is also a decent 10-10 on the road, so they’ll have a great chance to do it again here.

The Clippers have been one of the best teams in the league this season, going 22-15 ATS. They are also 11-2 when billed as betting favorites and hold a 12-6 record at home. Let’s play Los Angeles to cover the spread at home and pick up this much needed win.

Heat-Clippers final prediction and pick: Los Angeles Clippers -5.5 (-110)