The Miami Heat will continue their search for the first win of their current road trip this Friday when they lock horns with the scorching Los Angeles Clippers. Will the Heat avoid a three-game skid? Or, will the Clippers add to Miami’s woes?

Catch this game live on Friday, November 12, at 11:30 AM, Manila time

Away: Miami Heat (7-4/3-3 on the road)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Kyle Lowry
  • SG: Duncan Robinson
  • SF: Jimmy Butler (questionable)
  • PF: PJ Tucker 
  • C: Bam Adebayo 

The Heat’s road trip has not been great, so far. After losing to the Denver Nuggets, 113-96, in Mile High City last Tuesday, Miami got edged out by the Lakers at STAPLES Center Thursday, 120-117. The Heat are now 1-3 in their last four games and seem to have lost the momentum of their blazing 6-1 start to the season. But the Heat could get a pass from the loss to the Lakers, as Bam Adebayo dealt with foul trouble early in the game, while Jimmy Butler was not able to play in the second half because of a sprained ankle. 

Butler can be considered questionable for now, but if he can’t go, Adebayo could become the focal point of the Heat’s offense that is averaging 110.7 points per game. But Miami should also ride the hot hands of Tyler Herro, who’s been phenomenal of late in his sixth-man role. Herro, who exploded for 27 points against the Lakers, is second on the team with 20.9 points per game. Miami is 2-1 ATS this season after a loss.

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Home: Los Angeles Clippers (6-4/4-2 at home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Reggie Jackson
  • SG: Eric Bledsoe
  • SF: Paul George
  • PF: Nicolas Batum
  • C: Ivica Zubac

The Clippers are on a roll, having extended their undefeated streak to five games after downing the Portland Trail Blazers at home last Wednesday, 117-109. They have certainly found their groove after a slow start; the Clippers went 1-4 in their first five games. During their current win streak, the Clippers have averaged 113.2 points. Their outside shooting has played a big role in their recent success. During that aforementioned stretch, Los Angeles has drilled 15.2 3-pointers per game on 41.3 3FG%. 

It was the Lakers’ outside shooting that doomed the Heat on Thursday, with Malik Monk and company making 18 threes on 38 attempts. If Butler would get ultimately ruled out for Friday’s game, the Heat will show up at STAPLES Center minus one crucial piece of their defense. Against the Blazers, the Clippers went 16-of-30 from behind the arc, with Paul George leading his team with 24 points. The Clippers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games against Miami.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Heat’s usually stout defense has been unreliable of late. That’s not a good sign, heading into a game against the red-hot Clippers. Take the Clippers to cover (-2.5).

Over/Under: Despite the loss to the Lakers, the Heat looked like they found their offense back after failing to score 100 against Denver. As for the Clippers, they have the suddenly porous Heat defense up ahead. Take the Over (214.5).

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