Hornets vs. Heat NBA Odds, Preview and Pick (Archive)
The Charlotte Hornets head to Miami to take on the Heat. The Heat are gunning for the number one seed, Charlotte is trying to move up in the standings. In a battle between two teams trying to solidify their playoff position, which team is the right NBA pick?
Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat
Tuesday, April 05, 2022 – 07:30 PM EDT at FTX Arena
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have not had much success against the Miami Heat this season. Charlotte has lost all three of their meetings against their division rivals. Charlotte will attempt to avoid the four-game season sweep tonight. Charlotte hopes the return of Gordon Hayward will turn the tide for them.
Gordon Hayward had not played since February 7th until he returned on Saturday night. Hayward was getting back into the groove against Philadelphia and had 5 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds in 17 minutes. Hayward will probably not get much more run than that. Charlotte Hornets coach, James Borrego, indicated that he will limit Hayward's minutes.
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The Hornets play at a high pace. They have the fifth highest scoring points per game in the NBA at 114.8. Unfortunately, they also have the 26th highest points against in the NBA at 114.8. The Hornets do an excellent job of moving the ball, averaging 27.8 assists per game, second in the league.
Their willingness to move the basketball is led by their leader, LaMelo Ball, who is an infectious player and passer. LaMelo Ball leads the team at 7.5 assists per game. The Hornets are 3-2 in the last five, and 7-3 in their last 10. They are currently at 40-38, 9th in the Eastern Conference.
The Hornets are 1 game behind the Hawks and 2.5 games behind the Cavaliers with 4 games to go. They are currently tied with the Brooklyn Nets, so each game for the rest of the season will determine whether the Hornets are in the 8th, 9th, or 10th position for the play-in tournament.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are currently 51-28 and in first place in the Eastern Conference. They are two games ahead of the Celtics with three games remaining. A win by the Heat tonight would help them clinch the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Miami Heat have won four in a row.
Their most recent game with a 114–109 victory in Toronto over the Raptors. The win in Toronto finished up an impressive three-game road trip where they took out Eastern Conference rivals in each stop.
On Wednesday they defeated the Celtics 106-98 and on Saturday night they defeated the Bulls handily 127-109. The Heat have shown but they are in great form heading into the playoffs.
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Miami will be missing their coach Erik Spoelstra tonight because he has been under health and safety protocols. Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn will coach the team tonight. Quinn was also the coach in the victory in Toronto. The Heat might be missing Kyle Lowry tonight.
The Heat may choose to rest and get ready for the playoffs. Gabe Vincent, P.J. Tucker, Markieff Morris, and Dewayne Dedmon are all also game-time decisions. It will be interesting if the Heat opt to rest their guys, or clinch the conference as soon as possible.
Mason Plumlee vs. Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo means so much to the Heat's ability to compete efficiently on offense. When Adebayo is getting pressure inside, it opens up the floor for his sharpshooting counterparts. The Hornets usually struggle against big men so this is a great opportunity for Adebayo to have a big game.
If Mason Plumlee is able to slow down Adebayo, the Hornets have a great chance to cover the NBA odds, or maybe even get the win. If Adebayo has a big night against the Hornets' big men, the Heat have a great chance to get the win.
Best Bet
The Heat should get things done and continue their win streak tonight. Even if key players miss the game for the Heat, they are one of the deepest, best-coached teams in the league and will be able to absorb the absences of their resting teammates. The Heat will look to solidify their claim on first place in the Eastern Conference.
The Heat just beat three other Eastern Conference rivals on the road, I expect them to do the same at home against a team who they have had continued success this season. Today's play of the day is the Miami Heat -5.5.
NBA Pick: Miami Heat -5.5 (-110) at Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
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