Heat vs. Lakers prediction and odds for NBA Summer League (Fade Miami amidst trade rumors)
The NBA returns on Monday night for the California Classic in the NBA Summer League, a welcome sign for many of us basketball fans.
The opening game in Cali is between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, two teams that added some talent during the 2023 NBA Draft. First-round picks Jaime Jacquez Jr. (Miami) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (Los Angeles) should get their first chance to showcase their talent on Monday.
However, it’s worth noting that Miami’s last two first-round picks (Jacquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic) have been involved in trade talks for Damian Lillard lately. So, it’s possible that they see much smaller roles to avoid any injuries.
The Lakers are slight favorites in this game, as they come in with several players that have been either drafted or under contract, including Cole Swider and Max Christie from last season’s team.
Let’s dive into the odds and I’ll share my best bet for this game:
Heat vs. Lakers odds, spread and total
Spread:
- Heat +2.5 (-110)
- Lakers -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Heat: +120
- Lakers: -140
Total:
- 163 (Over -110/Under -110)
Heat vs. Lakers prediction and pick
The Lakers have a solid group of players with either first-round pedigree or NBA experience, including Christie, Hood-Schifino, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Swider.
Christie was great in the G League last season, and he may have a shot to earn some minutes for the Lakers this season with Dennis Schroder and Lonnie Walker IV departing in free agency.
It’s unclear how much run each top player will get, which is a tough part of betting Summer League, so it’s important to look at the depth of the rosters and which players are fighting for a training camp spot.
Miami has a lot of those, headlined by Caleb Daniels and Alondes Williams. However, I have some serious concern with Miami if it holds out some of its top guns because of the trade rumors.
Since the Heat have more Summer League games to come outside of the California Classic, I wouldn’t be shocked if Jovic and Jacquez see less time until a Damian Lillard deal is finalized.
Also, I think the Lakers have much more NBA-level talent at the moment – given how many of their players were in The Association last season.
I’ll take a shot on the Lakers as slight favorites in this game.
Pick: Lakers -2.5 (-110)
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
