The Los Angeles Lakers (15-59) square off against the visiting Miami Heat (43-30) at the Staples Center. Action starts at 10:30 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 30 and can be seen on NBA, TWC and SUN.
The Lakers got blown out by the Jazz 123-75 on Monday. Roy Hibbert had a good game, contributing eight points, six rebounds, and four blocks for Los Angeles. The Heat, meanwhile, are coming off a 110-99 win over the Nets on Monday. Dwyane Wade shot 14-for-19 and led in scoring with 30 points.
Over the last five games, Hassan Whiteside and Wade have upped their production for the Heat. During that stretch, Whiteside has averaged 21.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.6 blocks. Not to be outdone, Wade has put up 21.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.8 blocks.
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Heat won the first game 101-88. Chris Bosh put up a double-double in the victory with 30 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lakers look to improve upon their records of 15-59 Straight Up (SU) and 33-41 Against The Spread (ATS). They have gone 15-59 SU and 33-41 ATS against teams from the Eastern Conference. Los Angeles has averaged 110.1 points per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 97.7.
On the other side, Miami has a SU record of 43-30 and an ATS record of 39-33-1. Most recently, Miami is a meager 2-8 ATS over the last 10 games. The Heat convert their shots at a high percentage, ranking fourth in the league at .470. Moving on to Miami’s defense, the Heat allow just 98.2 points per game, ranking them fourth in the league. The Miami defense has been a problem for competitors, allowing only 7.0 field goals from three-point range per game. They average 6.6 blocks per game, good for first in the league.
Miami won the last meeting this season between these two teams, moving its SU record against the Lakers to 9-1 in their last 10 head-to-head meetings. Furthermore, the Heat lead the matchup ATS with a record of 6-4.
Predictions: SU Winner – Mia
Notes
Miami ranks 23rd in points per game with 99.6, while Los Angeles ranks 27th in points allowed with an average of 107.0 given up.
Miami ranks 29th in points per away game with 96.3 points, while Los Angeles ranks 21st in points allowed at home with 103.5.
Los Angeles has a 9-8 record when allowing fewer than 100 points. Miami has a 15-21 record when failing to hit the century mark.
The Los Angeles Lakers have an abysmal 6-51 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Miami Heat are 28-9 when they hit triple digits.
The Lakers have an offensive rating of 99.7 (ranked 29th). The Heat rank sixth for their defensive rating of 102.0.
The Los Angeles Lakers average 97.9 possessions per game and .997 points per possession, while the Miami Heat earn fewer possessions (95.1) but more points per possession (1.048).
The Miami Heat average an effective field goal percentage of 50.7% this season. The Los Angeles Lakers have an abysmal record of 4-42 when opponents have an EFF% of 50.7% or greater.
On average, Los Angeles attempts 24.0 three pointers and Miami attempts 17.0 per game. In games where the teams have 25 or more three point attempts, both have losing records. The Lakers are 8-31 while the Heat sit at 1-4.
The Los Angeles Lakers rank 27th with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.40. The Miami Heat have a higher A/TO (1.58), ranking 19th.
The Lakers rank 21st in rebounds per game with 42.8, while the Heat rank 13th with 44.1 per game.
The Miami Heat rank 22nd in offensive rebounding, while the Los Angeles Lakers rank 24th in defensive rebounding.
Los Angeles has forced an average turnover percentage of 12.2% this season. Miami is an even 25-25 when its TOV% is 12.2% or higher.
