Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 22/01/2022, 13:18  by Joseph King | Modified on 22/01/2022 at 19:18 in NBA Predictions

The Lakers won’t have to travel far to South Beach to take on the Heat in this battle between east and west in the NBA. The Lakers are already in Florida having just played the Orlando Magic and will be hoping to make it two for two in the sunshine state after they recorded a 116-105 victory over the Magic. Despite the victory, it’s been a disappointing season for LeBron James and co. and they currently find themselves seventh in the Western Conference with a 23-23 record. The hosts are battling for the top seed int he Eastern Conference and currently sit tied for second and just a half game behind leaders Brooklyn. Miami has continued their consistency over the past few years and Spoelstra’s team will be looking to make waves in the playoffs yet again. Their last game was a close 110-108 loss to Atlanta on the road.

Questions remain over whether the Lakers will make any moves as the trade deadline approaches. There are real problems in the team, Anthony Davis can’t stay on the court, Westbrook has looked like an awful fit so far and the veterans that they’ve signed look old and incapable of keeping up with younger teams. LeBron James has been playing fantastically this season but he can’t single handedly carry a team to the top seed anymore. Miami, on the other hand, have impressed this season and look like real contenders. Despite dealing with consistent injuries to key players throughout the season, the Heat culture shines through and the team keeps up it’s high quality of play. With key players Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo healthy, as well as the surprising contributions from bench players like Max Strus, Miami should have more than enough to handle a Lakers team that is 8-11 on the road this season. Miami maintains one of the strongest home court advantages in the NBA, as South Beach always proves a difficult place for teams to travel to - it’s famous nightlife probably responsible for the slow start of a few teams over the years. The Heat are 15-5 at home this season and should be able to notch another victory in this one.