The Miami Heat (0-1) and Charlotte Hornets (1-1) meet at the Spectrum Center on Saturday, with a start date set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze the 24/7 NBA odds from BetMGM Sportsbook Heat vs. Hornets Opportunities and meet our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season Series: First Meeting; Last season, the Heat went 4-0

The Heat dropped their season opener on Wednesday as 2-point home favorites, losing to the Orlando Magic 116-97 with the over hitting (208). G Terry Rozier scored a team-high 19 points with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. However, Miami’s problems on the glass were evident as they were outrebounded 57-41, which contributed to the loss.

The Hornets lost to the Atlanta Hawks 125-120 on Friday, but managed to stay on the hook as a 5.5-point underdog with the over (227). PG LaMelo Ball had a wild game, leading the Hornets with 34 points but also committing 10 turnovers and fouls with 6:50 to play. C Nick Richards contributed a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. However, Charlotte struggled defensively, allowing the Hawks to shoot 48.1%.

Heat on Hornets odds

Powered by BetMGM Sportsbook; Visit the USA TODAY sports scores and sports betting hub for a complete list of NBA odds. Lines were last updated at 2:34 p.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Heat -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Hornets +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
• Against the Spread (ATS): Heat -7.5 (-105) | Hornets +7.5 (-115)
• Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Hornets heat with key injuries

heat

• C Kel’el Ware (illness).
• F Kevin Love (personally).
• G Josh Richardson (paragraph) questionable

Hornets

• G LaMelo Ball (coccyx) questionable
• G Seth Curry (knee) questionable
• F Josh Green (Achilles) out
• G/F Cody Martin (Core) questionable
• G/F Brandon Miller (gluteal muscle) out
• C Mark Williams (foot) out

For the latest updates: Official NBA Injury Report.

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Heat at Hornets tips and predictions

forecast

Heat 112, Hornets 102

Money line

HAPPEN.

I have the Heat (-275) winning this game in Charlotte, but I’m not going to risk 2.75 units to win 1. I would rather place my bet on the spread.

Against the spread

BET HEAT -7.5 (-105).

Miami will look to bounce back after a tough opening night from F Jimmy Butler (3 points) and C Bam Adebayo (9 points), who combined to score 2 of 13 goals. With two days of rest, Miami’s stars should make an impact on both ends of the court.

The Hornets’ slower pace suits the Heat’s style, and with Adebayo anchoring the defense, Charlotte will struggle to score inside. Playing on consecutive nights could cause fatigue for the Hornets and give Miami a clear advantage. The Heat won and covered all four meetings against Charlotte last season, going 2-2 ATS.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 222.5 (-110).

Both the Heat and Hornets prefer a slower pace of play, with both teams finishing in the bottom 10 of the NBA in possessions per game last season. Miami prides itself on its defense, ranking in the top five in defensive rating a season ago. This trend has also been reflected in recent meetings, with the minors scoring in 4 of their last 5 meetings.

Since the line is set at 220, this number feels too high UNDER a strong piece.

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