Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets Predictions 2/17/22

Miami Heat (37-21 SU, 33-25-0 ATS) vs. Charlotte Hornets (29-30 SU, 32-26-1 ATS)

When: Thursday February 17 2022, 07:00 PM (ET)

Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina

TV: BSSUN

Point Spread: MIA -4/CHA +4 (Opened at MIA -4 at WagerWeb – Offers NBA teasers up to 20 points!)

Total: 226.5 (Opened at 226.5)

Money Line: Miami -190/Charlotte +158

Power Rating: CHA -3

Probable Starting Lineups

Miami Heat PG Kyle Lowry, SG Duncan Robinson, SF Jimmy Butler Q, PF P.J. Tucker, C Bam Adebayo

Charlotte Hornets PG LaMelo Ball, SG Terry Rozier, SF Miles Bridges, PF PJ Washington, C Mason Plumlee

Key Injuries

Heat
Jimmy Butler: shoulder (QUESTIONABLE) Tyler Herro: knee (OUT) Caleb Martin: achilles (QUESTIONABLE) Markieff Morris: neck (OUT) Victor Oladipo: knee (OUT)

Hornets
No Reported Injuries

The Miami Heat travel to take on the Charlotte Hornets in an Eastern Conference Showdown. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET at the Spectrum Center. The oddsboard lists the Heat as a -4 point spread favorite with an O/U line of 226.5.

Recent Form

The Miami Heat come into this game with an overall record of 37-21, placing them 2nd in the Eastern Conference. So far, Miami is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 18-14. Over their last five games, the Heat have played well, picking up 4 wins. In this stretch, Miami’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 110.0 points per game. Combined, the Heat’s last five opponents are giving up 110.0 points per contest. Miami comes into this game also playing well defensively, holding their opponents to just 100.0 points per game. An improvement on their season average of 104.4. In the Miami Heat’s most recent game, the team fell to Minnesota by a score of 107-99.

The Charlotte Hornets come into this game with an overall record of 29-30, placing them 9th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Charlotte is above .500 at home, holding a record of 14-13. Over the Hornets’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. During this stretch, Charlotte, is averaging 118.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 113.9. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 110.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Hornet’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 121.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 114.8. In the Charlotte Hornets’ most recent game, the team fell to Minnesota, 126-120.

Individual Player Analysis

As Miami travels to take on the Charlotte Hornets, the Heat’s leading scorer is Jimmy Butler. Through 40 games, Butler is averaging 21 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 48.0% of his games. So far, the Hornets are holding their opponent’s top scorers below their season average in 75% of their games, the best in the NBA. On the other side, LaMelo Ball leads the Hornets in scoring, averaging 20 points across his 53 games. Throughout the season, Ball has outscored his season average in 47.0% of his outings. Given that Miami’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, LaMelo Ball should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Heat have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 53% of their games.

Matchup Analysis

The Hornets come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 108.6 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Charlotte is winning at a rate of 63%. These wins are coming by an average margin of 11.0 points. On the other side, the Heat hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 50 games as the better defensive team, picking up 35 wins.

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The Historicals

Tonight’s matchup will be the third meeting of the season between the two teams. So far, Miami has won both matchups.

How the Public is Betting the Heat vs Hornets

67% are betting the Heat against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 227

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite.
• Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
• Hornets are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Hornets are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

In this matchup, look for the Heat to pick up the road win and cover the spread as throughout the season, they have been the more efficient offensive team. So far, Miami has the 8th best effective field goal percentage at 53.9%. Look for a big scoring night as they are taking on a Charlotte defense ranked 26th in effective field goal percentage allowed. Bet this game and ALL your NBA predictions for FREE this week by cashing in on a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit up to $1000 at Betnow Sportsbook!