Clippers vs Heat Odds and Picks
- The LA Clippers host the Miami Heat on Thursday (Nov. 11th, 10:30 pm ET)
- LA enters play on a five-game winning streak, making up for a disappointing 1-4 start
- Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction
The Los Angeles Clippers are streaking. After a dismal 1-4 start to the 2021-22 season, LA has reeled off five straight wins and once again look like one of the top teams in the West.
The Clippers will try to run their winning streak to six on Thursday (Nov. 11th), when they host the Miami Heat. Miami started the campaign 6-1, but have since dropped two of three ahead of its tilt with the LA Lakers on Wednesday.
Heat vs Clippers Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Heat | +140 | +3.5 (-106) | O 213 (-110) |
| LA Clippers | -166 | -3.5 (-114) | U 213 (-110) |
Odds as of Nov. 11th at FanDuel.
Tip-off for the Heat-Clippers matchup is set for 10:30 pm ET at the Staples Center, with Los Angeles listed as a 3.5-point favorite.
PG13 Playing Like an MVP
Paul George has been the catalyst for LA’s improved play, flashing form worthy of MVP consideration. He led the way for the Clippers offensively in their latest victory, scoring 24 points en route to a 117-109 win over Portland.
George also added 9 rebounds and 7 assists, and is fresh off Western Conference Player of the Week honors. He put up gaudy numbers all week to capture the award, averaging 26 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals per outing.
Paul George is playing at an MVP level this season.
26.7 PPG
8.3 RPG (career-high)
5.4 APG (career-high)
2.5 SPG (career-high)
46/36/86%The Clippers have won 5 in a row. pic.twitter.com/pGtrBL6J4J
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 10, 2021
Reggie Jackson poured in 23 points versus the Trail Blazers, while Nicolas Batum added a season-high 22. LA shot 51.8% from the field, and a blistering 53.5% from beyond the arc. After a slow start to the season, they’ve now shot at least 48% in three of their past four outings, while clamping down on the opposition.
📊 22 PTS / 6-8 3FG / 7-9 FG
There's no substitute for @nicolas88batum's impact. pic.twitter.com/rs8IgsB2qQ
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 11, 2021
The Clippers rank seventh in scoring defense, and have held four of their past five opponents below 46% shooting from the field. They’ve racked up a +56 point differential during their winning streak and boast the third highest defensive rating in the entire NBA.
On the injury front, Kawhi Leonard remains out as he recovers from his torn ACL, while starting forward Marcus Morris Sr. hasn’t suited up since October 23rd due to a knee injury.
Heat Cooling Down
Miami meanwhile, is the talk of the NBA this week, but not for its performance. The Heat and Denver Nuggets were involved in an ugly skirmish in Miami’s most recent outing, as Nikola Jokic violently body checked Markieff Morris from behind causing quite the scene.
About :15 into this, Jimmy Butler tells somebody to meet him in the parking lot
Jimmy Butler wants the smokepic.twitter.com/s9PP0G99D1
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) November 9, 2021
Jokic was suspended a game without pay, while Morris was fined $50,000 for his flagrant foul that started the whole mess, and Jimmy Butler was hit with a $30,000 fine for trying to escalate the situation. Side note to players around the NBA, don’t mess with Jimmy Buckets.
The melee overshadowed an impressive night from Butler as he poured in 31 points. It’s the third time in his last eight games he’s cleared the 30-point mark, and he’s a big reason why Miami ranks top-seven in offensive and defensive rating.
Jimmy Butler this season:
25.3 PPG
6.0 RPG
5.5 APG
2.1 SPG
53% FG#JiMVP pic.twitter.com/ozJUAN7EU6— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) November 10, 2021
After starting the season scorching hot from the field, the Heat’s shooting has cooled down recently. Entering Wednesday, they’d shot below 40% in two of their past three games, and will need to improve their efficiency if they hope to upset the streaking Clippers.
Injury wise, Morris sat out versus the Lakers, as did guard Max Strus. Given that the matchup against the Clippers is on the second night of a back-to-back, there is potential for some Miami players to rest due to nagging injuries.
Heat vs Clippers Pick
Thursday will mark the third game in four nights for the Heat, and there’s definitely potential from them to come out sluggish and flat. The way the Clippers are rolling, anything less than a complete effort from Miami is likely going to cause them to fall short.
CLIPPERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/ztI9jbUahG
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 10, 2021
LA has been a spread darling over the past week, not only cashing tickets, but also not making its backers sweat out results. The Clippers are 4-0 against the spread in their last four outings, covering by an average of 9.75 points.
Pick: LA Clippers -3.5 (-110)
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
