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There was major breaking news in the NBA this week, with Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra landing a $120 million extension. This story continues to make headlines and now people all over South Florida are ready to see what this team will be able to get done this season after breaking the bank for Spoelstra. Come this weekend too, the Miami Heat should have no issues against the Hornets on Sunday on their home floor. Will they be able to get the job done?
We think Miami should be able to cruise in this one, as Jimmy Butler and Co. have been pretty strong this year. As of this writing, the Heat are an impressive 21-16 on the campaign. However, with how strong the rest of the Eastern Conference has been this year, highlighted by the Boston Celtics holding the No. 1 seed and the best NBA Finals betting odds, Miami finds itself in seventh place in the conference.
| Miami vs. Charlotte odds |  |  |  |
| Heat to win | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Hornets to win | +125 | +125 | +125 |
| Over 195 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 195 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
Miami is strong on both ends of the floor, but the same can’t be said about the Hornets. It’s been a rough go for Charlotte in 2023-23, as they’re 8-27 on the season. Charlotte entered the new season with hopes of taking a step forward, but that just hasn’t been the case for the organization. The fact that they’re 8-27 at this point of the winter is not what anyone was expecting to see out of them.
With all of that said, Miami must be feeling pretty dang confident ahead of tip-off. According to the best-rated sportsbooks, which includes the reliable Bovada review, the Heat hold -110 NBA betting odds as the home team. The Hornets are underdogs with their +125 betting odds. While Charlotte will hope to post a stunner in this one, we don’t see it happening. We’re going with the Heat as our pick to post a victory, no doubt about that.
Bam is dominating the paint night after night and producing must-see highlights 💥
Make sure #13 is at the #NBAAllStar Game! Vote now – https://t.co/KwUxqYEMkT pic.twitter.com/XrYoXNLcvt
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 11, 2024
The over should hit between the Heat and Hornets
It goes without saying, but the over should hit between the Heat and Hornets when they face off on Sunday evening. While the Hornets have had their fair share of issues on the offensive end of the floor, Miami has been putting on a show throughout the campaign. Miami has three players averaging more than 20 points per game, with sharpshooter Tyler Herro leading the way with his 22.4 points a night.
Herro is the kind of player that every fan base would love to have on their side. Herro can knock down shots from the perimeter, while he can also connect on his short-range jumpers. Second in scoring would be big man Bam Adebayo, who is a force in the paint. Adebayo is pouring in 22.1 points per outing, adding 10.4 rebounds too. The star averaging a double-double is a major benefit. As for Butler, his 21 points per game are huge. Butler is dealing with an injury, but the hope is he’ll be ready by Sunday.
Jimmy Butler playoff stats with the Miami Heat in 4 seasons so far (64 games):
24.7 PPG-6.8 RPG-5.7 APG-1.9 STLS
2 ECF championships
2 NBA Finals appearances
3 ECF appearances pic.twitter.com/Ht9K9tQCTR— Mink Flow (@currypistonn) January 11, 2024
“I don’t know,” Butler said on when he’ll be able to get back on the hardwood for the Heat due to his issues with his toe. ‘The trainers may think so. I don’t believe in luck all the time. Stuff happens. We’re doing everything we can to get me back on the floor. I’m moving better. I can break a little sweat.”
While Butler is unsure of his status for the weekend, we think he’ll be able to play, which will help the Heat offense. Per the oddsmakers, the over/under has been set at 195 points. With the stadium expected to be packed in Miami for this one, something tells us both offenses will be lights out in shooting the ball. Having said that, we’re going with the over as our pick on Sunday.
The Heat don’t hold strong championship odds
While there’s plenty of excitement for this Miami squad, it’s important to note that the Heat don’t hold strong championship odds. Miami is five games over .500, but people can’t stop talking about the Boston Celtics. They’ve been sensational, with the Massachusetts side being a lot of folks pick to win it all. However, could Miami go on a surprise run and shock the rest of the world this spring?
Butler missing time with his toe injury is a concern, but the great news here is that it’s not considered a serious injury. When he’s at full health, Butler is a complete and total force on offense and defenses have issues all over the plate in trying to contain him. Butler Is a veteran of the game and he’s adored by countless people all over the state. But, can he get Miami back to the top?
That remains to be seen, but the Heat are ready to go on a strong stretch – luckily for them, taking on the Hornets should be a cakewalk. As things stand, Miami holds +3400 NBA Finals betting odds. Yes, those are rough odds, but if this team can catch fire, then we should see those numbers improve quite a bit over the next few weeks and months. They’re a team to watch.
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