OffshoreInsiders.com Senior Writer Vegas Matty previews Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat.
The Miami Heat (43-21) made a serious statement the last time they faced the Los Angeles Lakers (46-19) on Christmas Day. On Thursday before another national television audience, the struggling Heat will simply be trying to end their own five-game losing streak along with an eight-game winning streak for the defending NBA champion Lakers (-2).
Miami dominated Los Angeles 96-80 at the Staples Center in the last meeting behind a triple double from LeBron James, who totaled 27 points, 11 rebound and 10 assists. Chris Bosh also had an impressive game against LA’s big men with 24 points and a game-high 13 rebounds while Dwyane Wade chipped in with 18 points and six assists.
The Heat were just starting to jell at that point in the midst of winning 21 times in 22 games, and they should be making their push for the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race right now. Instead, chemistry issues have plagued the supposed dream team of James, Wade and Bosh lately and led to their longest skid of the season. They have failed to cover the spread in their last seven games.
Questions regarding who should take the last shot of the game have made it clear that James and Wade are more the same type of player than they are complimentary pieces to a championship puzzle while Bosh is just trying to fit into the offense somehow. Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra has quite the challenge ahead of him as his team tries to finish strong, starting with this key game against the Lakers.
Los Angeles head coach Phil Jackson is enjoying his final ride on the bench and see his team peaking at the perfect time. The Lakers have played with a vengeance since they dropped three games in a row prior to the All-Star break, including bad losses at Charlotte and Cleveland by a combined 25 points.
Kobe Bryant has scored 20 points or more in seven of the eight games during the winning streak, with LA going 7-1 against the spread in those games. Bryant tweaked his ankle in a 101-87 win at Atlanta on Tuesday but still scored 26 points as his team failed to give up more than 87 points for the fifth straight games. In fact, the Lakers have allowed just one opponent to total more than 95 points since the All-Star break, limiting the rest to an average of 85 points. The UNDER has cashed in four of their last five games.
Top expert pick on this game: The Great One Stevie Vincent has five fantastic winners and of course if he adds more after matchups are determined, they are inclusive. The top angle in each game is a combined 65-4. Of course, every angle is unlocked inside the play. Click now to purchase