NBA Preview: Heat vs. Clippers Predictions & Odds

Written by Jake Thompson
Wednesday, 11 January 2012 19:01

Our predictions will take a look at the odds while we preview the NBA game between the Heat and Clippers.

The Miami Heat (8-2) will hit the road against the Los Angeles Clippers (4-3) in tonight’s game, and our predictions will make sense of the NBA madness.  Start time of the Heat vs. Clippers game is set for 10:30 PM ET, and the channel you’ll want to tune into to watch is ESPN.

Miami has gone 5-1 on the road this season and will be taking on a Clippers squad that has amassed a 3-1 record at home.  The home team has won 6 straight head-to-head meetings between the Heat and the Clippers, while the over has been a winner in 2 of the last 3.  The Heat are coming off a 106-111 overtime loss at the Golden State Warriors last night, while the Clippers are also fresh off a 97-105 road loss against the Portland Trailblazers.

Legends Sportsbook has NBA odds favoring the road-team Heat as a 4-point favorite with a total of 203.  Miami is garnering close to 60% of tracked bets according to NBA wager-tracking websites, and the odds briefly went to -4.5 before quickly being bet down just minutes ago.

Heat Offense vs. Clippers Defense:

Miami’s offense is running extremely smoothly right now, and they really don’t have a weakness on this side of the ball.  They keep the tempo up high and can beat opposing teams from any spot on the court.  The Clippers don’t seem to be gelled yet defensively, but they have so much athleticism that they can often cover up their weaknesses by simply getting to spots quicker than most.

Clippers Offense vs. Heat Defense:

Los Angeles is shooting a high percentage and taking advantage of easy baskets on the inside.  Their rebounding has been extremely lacking, but that won’t be a big hindrance against a Heat squad that isn’t great at rebounding themselves.  The Clippers don’t shoot the ball well from 3-point range and it will be important to find some rhythm behind the arc if they want to get those easy baskets inside against Miami.

Heat vs. Clippers Game Predictions:

These teams should both be happy to run the fast break tonight, and that will lead to a high-scoring game with plenty of big plays.  The Clippers play tough at home and I think they’ll be able to keep pace with the high-flying Heat.  Miami has covered the NBA odds in just 1 of their 3 games when not getting any rest, and they have to have some jet lag after flying across the country for last night’s game against the Warriors.  This is a game either team could easily win, so my Heat vs. Clippers predictions call for a bet on the Clippers, as well as the over.

Bet on tonight’s NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers at Legends Sportsbook and receive a 25% cash bonus on top of the amount you deposit.  Simply click our link to claim your free money!

Heat 103

Clippers 104