Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
December 16, 2016
Date & time: Friday, December 16, 8:00 PM
Venue: American Airlines Arena (Miami)
Head to head record
Los Angeles Clippers vs Miami Heat 71-91 (Orlando Summer League 2016)
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Clippers 93-100 (2015/2016 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Miami Heat 104-90 (2015/2016 NBA)
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Clippers 87-85 (Orlando Summer League 2015)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Miami Heat 90-104 (2014/2015 NBA)
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Clippers prediction
Buoyed by back-to-back wins over the likes of Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards, Miami Heat take on Los Angeles Clippers at their American Airlines Arena. Erik Spoelstra’s men face an uphill task in Friday’s game, but it is well known that they are tough to beat at home.
Signs of improvement
Miami Heat have been having their ups and downs in December. Erik Spoelstra’s team have recorded four wins, while suffering five defeats this month, but they are high on confidence ahead of the visit of Clippers. Miami outplayed the likes of Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers in previous two league games and it has to be noted that centre Hassan Whiteside impressed in the 95-89 victory over Pacers as he scored 26 points and added 22 rebounds. Goran Dragic has been in a fine form of late as well and all eyes will be on the duo when Heat face Clippers at American Airlines Arena. Miami are desperate to keep their hopes of making it to the NBA play-offs alive, meaning that Friday’s game is of big importance for the hosts.
Tyley Johnson is a major doubt and he will be assessed on the match day, while Dion Waiters is definitely out of contention with a groin injury. Coach Erik Spoelstra has no other fresh injury worries ahead of the game.
Three wins in a row
Los Angeles Clippers failed to make life difficult for star-studded Golden State Warriors earlier in December, but they quickly returned to winning ways. Following back-to-back victories over the likes of New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers Doc Rivers’ team outplayed Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Clippers are eyeing their fourth consecutive win and seeing that they are sitting in third place in the Western Conference, I am positive that the visitors will leave their hearts on the field in Friday’s clash against Miami Heat. Blake Griffin scored 20+ points in previous two league games and the power forward will be the man to watch in the away team. Los Angeles Clippers are on a three-game winning run on the road, but they will have to be at their sharpest in the American Airlines Arena showdown if they are to beat Miami on Friday. Chris Paul has been averaging 17.8 points and 9.6 assists this season and he is likely to prove a handful for Heat.
Luc Mbah a Moute is likely to miss the match with a shoulder injury (day-to-day), whereas Brice Johnson is sidelined with a back problem.
Interesting facts
- Clippers scored 100+ points in previous two league encounters against Miami
- Goran Dragic has been averaging 18.4 points this season
- Miami conceded over 100 points in four of their last five home matches
- In last two meetings between the two teams in Miami Clippers emerged triumphant
- Clippers scored 113+ points in each of their last four away games
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Clippers betting pick
Miami Heat managed to get back on course, but Friday’s game against high-flying Los Angeles Clippers will be anything but a walk in the park for the hosts. Doc Rivers can count on all of his key players for the clash against Heat and I believe that there is a big value in betting on the visitors, who are eyeing their fourth consecutive win in the league.
Pick: Clippers -7
Odds: -110
