Miami Heat at LA Clippers Odds & Prediction ATS

When: Thursday, Nov. 11th, 2021, 10:30 pm (ET)

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA

TV: NBA TV

Point Spread: MIA +2.5/LAC -2.5 (Opened at -3.5 at WagerWeb – Check out their HUGE 20 point NBA teasers!)

Total: O/U 214.5 (Opened at 214.5)

Money Line: MIA +117/LAC -139

Power Rating: LAC -3

Probable Starting Lineups

Miami Heat: PG Kyle Lowry, SG Duncan Robinson, SF Jimmy Butler (if healthy), PF P.J. Tucker, C Bam Adebayo

Los Angeles Clippers: PG Reggie Jackson, SG Paul George, SG Eric Bledsoe, PF Nicolas Batum, C Ivica Zubac

Key Injuries

Miami Heat: G Jimmy Butler *Out* (Ankle), G Max Strus *Out (Knee), F Markieff Morris *Out* (Neck)

Los Angeles Clippers: F Marcus Morris *Out* (Knee), G Jason Preston *Out* (Foot), F Kawhi Leonard *Out* (Knee)

Recent Form

The Miami Heat got out to one of the best starts in the NBA with a 6-1 record. Since then, Miami has dropped three of their last four games, including an overtime loss last night to the Lakers. The Heat, who have been one of the best teams defensively, gave up their most points in a game last night at 120. In a game that went back and forth to the very end, the loss of Jimmy Butler with an ankle injury in the first quarter may have been the difference-maker in the loss. Through 11 games, the Miami offense averages 110.7 PPG, while the defense gives up 103.2. Miami’s 7.2-point differential is 3rd best in the NBA.

The Clippers are riding a five-game winning streak after a 1-4 start to the season and have improved to a 6-4 record. The last time out against the Trail Blazers was the best outing for the starting five, as three of them scored 22 or more. The Clippers defense kept the Portland duo of Lillard and McCollum to 40 points combined and got outscored in just one of four quarters. Paul George leads the team with 26.7 PPG and leads the team in rebounds, assists, and steals per game as well. The Clippers average 108.0 PPG offensively and give up 103.2 PPG defensively, giving the team a 4.8-point differential.

Heat Cooling Down

After a hot start to Miami’s season, their defense has been increasingly sliding over the past week. After holding their first four opponents under 100 points, they have failed to give up less than 113 in their last three contests. To their defense, they faced three of the Western Conference’s top teams in the Jazz, Nuggets, and Lakers in those games, but nonetheless, their defense may need to go back to the drawing board to get their swagger back. Going into Thursday night’s matchup, which will be back-to-back nights at Staples Center, the Heat may be gassed after overtime last night. Though the Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last five games playing on 0 days’ rest, we may see the first blemish in that record against the Clippers, who have been playing very well as of late.

Clippers Heating Up

The Clippers, who would like to forget their first five games, have put their slump to rest with a five-game winning streak. The team has relied heavily on Paul George’s hot hand, and he has yet to falter, averaging 25.8 points per game in his last five contests. George has had help as well, with teammates Batum and Jackson pulling their weight. The Clippers offense will face their toughest defensive test of the season in the Heat on Thursday, but as mentioned with the Heat’s struggle, it could be a case of “kick them while they’re down.” The Heat looks like they may be without Jimmy Butler as he suffered an ankle injury last night. Butler is known for his grit on the defensive side and leads the NBA for forwards with 2.1 steals per game. Should the Heat be without him Thursday and down the stretch for a few games, we may see the Miami defense truly hit rock bottom before they turn things around. With the Heat playing back-to-back nights and going against the Clippers offense that seems to have found their groove, I’m giving the Clippers the edge in this one.

Heat Struggle in LA

It’s no coincidence that teams who travel from coast to coast often struggle. Usually, teams that go from the west coast to the east coast struggle with playing later games, and east coast teams like the earlier games on the west coast. Unfortunately for the Heat, the earlier games in LA have proven to not play in their favor, as they are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games against the Clippers at Staples Center and are 0-5 ATS overall against the Clippers. The Staples Center is notoriously difficult for opposing teams to come in and get a win, and the Heat are a perfect example of that. Look for Miami to continue their struggles in LA, playing both teams in back-to-back nights and the Clippers to use the Staples Center tilt to their advantage.

The Historicals

Thursday’s matchup marks the first time this season that the two teams meet. Dating back to the 2018-19 season, the Clippers have won five straight, with the closest margin being four points. The last time the Heat got a win over the Clippers on the road was December of 2018.

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How the Public is Betting the Heat vs. Clippers

64% are betting the Clippers to cover the spread.

65% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 214.5.

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• The Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games.
• The Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their previous four games as a favorite.
• The Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last five games playing on 0 days’ rest.
• The Heat are 0-5 ATS in their previous five games against the Clippers.
• The Heat are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 matchups in Los Angeles.
• The Over is 4-0 in the previous four games between these two teams.
• The Over is 5-1 in the Heat’s last five games.
• The Over is 4-0 when the Heat plays on 0 days’ rest.

Collin’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Thursday’s matchup features a Heat team who is trending down and a Clippers team who has got hot on a five-game streak. History shows that the Heat doesn’t play well at Staples Center, and without Jimmy Butler on the floor, I see things getting worse for Miami before it gets better. Take the Clippers to cover the 2.5-point spread. Bet your NBA picks for FREE this week by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit from $50 to $500 at GTBets Sportsbook!