Two of the most iconic franchises of this century battle it out in a game that is always a little bit more personal for a couple iconic NBA figures. LeBron James and Pat Riley have won championships for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. They are loved by fans of both franchises, but there is no love lost between those two. 

They even won a couple of championships together in the last decade. Riley has been an executive or a coach in all three of Miami’s NBA titles, and seven conference championships. However, he won 6 championships as a Lakers player and coach. Four as a head coach during the 1980s in what some consider the best NBA dynasty of all-time. That is why the Lakers are placing a statue of Riley outside of Crypto.com Arena.

 

 

 

Los Angeles Lakers: Light My Fire

The Los Angeles Lakers are experiencing mediocrity in the seventh week of the NBA. They have lost five of their last ten games and were absolutely destroyed by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their most recent game.

The Doors to a championship are open, but the fans are screaming for someone to Light My Fire. Playing in Miami could be the change of pace they need. LeBron is still an icon in Miami and could join Dwyane Wade’s, with a statue outside of the Kaseya Center. He is the enemy tonight, and Pat Riley and him still have the competitive desire to best each other.

 

 

 

Miami Heat: Don’t Want To Lose You

The Miami Heat are on a two-game losing streak and have lost five of their last ten games. They are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 9-10 record, but roster decisions loom large.

The Jimmy Butler era could be coming to an end this season, possibly even before the trade deadline. The Heat are contenders every year with a core of Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. If they stay healthy, they are a great trio, but Miami Heat fans everywhere must be saying, I Don’t Want to Lose You. 

 

 

 

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup

Miami Heat Starting Lineup

 

 

 

Lakers vs. Heat Predictions & Picks Today: Tuesday, 12/4

This game is projected to be a close match, with a 1.5 point spread in favor of Miami Heat with an almost even money line.

A great deal of the game will be dependent on the health of the day-to-day players. If Jimmy Butler does not play the line will likely switch to underdogs for Miami.

 

 

 

Lakers vs. Heat Prediction: Total Over 219.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

The Lakers are averaging 112.6 points per game and allow more points than they score. The Miami Heat score 110.1 and allow almost the same. It should be a high scoring game with both teams well rested for this match.

As mentioned, this is a rivalry between organizations, and between two of NBAs most iconic figures. Both teams need to find the win column and shake bad performances before the new year. 

With Herro and Rozier putting up points recently, and the potential for Knecht to keep his momentum rolling the over is well within grasp from the role players. James, Davis, Butler, and Adebayo should be their normal, productive selves. 

If both teams score their average, it would make this bet successful tonight. It could be a night they both score more than their average against poor defenses. Put a unit on the over tonight and expect elite players to get back on track.

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky -Iggy-