Lakers vs Heat Betting Odds – Heat Won’t Burn Lakers
March 11th, 2010 Posted in NBA bettingThe Lakers vs Heat betting odds matches two teams at different ends of the spectrum right now. The Lakers are atop the West and rolling right now while online betting cappers know that the Heat are barely hanging in the East.
The Storyline – Lakers vs Heat betting odds breakdown
The Lakers are atop the West and their position is secure, but they are still going to be tested over this next little stretch. Thursday’s game with Miami marks their first of 11 road games out of their next 14.
Meanwhile, Miami got back on track with a win over Golden State, which ended a four-game losing streak. Since they didn’t make a big move at the deadline, this looks like a team that is just playing out the string since they don’t have enough to beat the elite teams in the East.
Offensive Matchups – Lakers vs Heat betting odds breakdown
The Lakers offense is dynamic, balanced and very explosive. With Kobe Bryant back and healthy, the Lakers can rely on him or pound it inside to their big men including Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. This is a very tough team to stop.
Sportsbook odds makers know that the Heat rely mostly on Dwayne Wade. Michael Beasley has been a nice contributor but he hasn’t been the superstar he was expected to be and with Jermaine O’Neal over the hill and little help elsewhere, the Heat are the Wade Show. The addition of Amare Stoudemire or Carlos Boozer could have changed things but they swung and missed, which has left this team shorthanded.
Free sports picks: Lakers
Defensive Matchups – Lakers vs Heat betting odds breakdown
The Lakers defense is among the better units in the NBA, allowing 96.1 points per game but we’ll see how it holds up on the road. The Lakers are far more vulnerable when they are away from the Staples Center.
Believe it or not, the Heat are among the best defensive teams in the league. They are tied for third at 95.2 points per game. The bigger issue for them in this game will be the rebounding as they are in the middle of the pack while the Lakers are second-best in the NBA.
Free sports picks: Even
Notable Injuries – Lakers vs Heat betting odds breakdown
Both teams are healthy for this contest.
Free sports picks: Even
Betting Prediction – Lakers vs Heat betting odds breakdown
The Heat are at home, which means this should be a game closer than expected, but the Lakers have the edge in rebounding and scoring. That should be enough to get them the win and cover on Thursday.
Pick: Lakers
