Heat vs Lakers Prediction & Player Prop of the Game: Can the Lebron-less Lakers hang with the Heating up Heat?

The Miami Heat continue their West Coast Road trip back in Crypto.com Arena to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday Night on ESPN.

This matchup was looking like a juicy affair but the news just came out an hour ago that Lebron James is NOT going to be suiting up for this one tonight in LA.

This obviously changes the landscape of this game but there is still nice value in this matchup of two cross-conference teams.

Let’s dive in!

The Heat Enjoying the West

The Heat are in the middle of a 5 game West coast road trip and have started it 2-1, with their last game being a big win against the Clippers in the same arena they are playing in tonight.

Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro all were fantastic in that game against the Clips on their way to a 110-100 victory.

Adebayo was especially dominant, racking up 31 points and 13 boards to lead the Heat to their 2nd win in 3 games.

The Heat’s Big 3 will need to be big again tonight, even with LeBron not being able to go tonight.

In a battle between 2 teams looking to climb their way up the standings in their respective conferences, who will come out on top late night on ESPN?

Odds

All odds listed are available at these qualified Sportsbooks. Click on the links BELOW to receive a Deposit bonus if you are a first time user!

BetOnline

Bovada

BetUS

BetMGM

Spread

• Heat -8.5 (-106)
• Lakers +8.5 (-114)

Moneyline

• Heat (-335)
• Lakers (+270)

Total

• Over 224.5 (-110)
• Under 224.5 (-110)

Prediction

The No Lebron news obviously changed the entire complexion of this game and rightly so.

He is playing fantastic basketball right now and is basically carrying this Lakers team.

I find it hard to see where the Lakers will go tonight and how they will stay around in this one.

I expect big minutes and numbers from Russell Westbrook but I don’t think it will be enough to combat the Heat and Adebayo, Butler and Herro.

Give me the Heat to win and cover in Crypto tonight.

Best Bet

Heat -8.5 (-106)

Prop of the Game

Russell Westbrook o17.5 Points (-112)

This line just feels too low for Westbook without Lebron tonight.

Even with Lebron when the Lakers played the Heat 3 games ago, he had 15 points.

I expect Westbrook to have to play a full log of minutes tonight and in games that LeBron and Anthony Davis haven’t suited up, he has 18+ points in 8 of his last 12.

He will no doubt have the ball in his hands a lot tonight and plenty of chances to score to keep the Lakers around.

Happy New Year! Enjoy this game and all the other NBA games on tonight!

Thanks for stopping by! Follow me on Twitter @SweatpantsJesus and @BN_Content for more props, bets, sports news and overall vibes.

You can also tune in LIVE on Twitch every Thursday morning and Sunday morning for MORNING COFFEE! A live betting show to go over the slate of games for the day and find the best play and props of the day!

BettingNews – Twitch

Welcome to Betting News! We're all About the Game. All your sports betting information and entertainment in one place. Stop by every week for an interactive experience to place the best bets and have some fun along the way!

www.twitch.tv

I want to hear your best plays as well and discuss the winning moves! Come hang with me and find the value! Look forward to seeing you on Twitch or in Twitter Spaces! Thanks for stopping by and as always, Peace and Love.