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The Los Angeles Clippers (14-12) are coming into tonight's game off the back of a loss to the Orlando Magic. Before that, they'd just snapped a two-game skid with a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Their opponents tonight, the Miami Heat (11-14), have considerably less momentum, having most recently lost to the Detroit Pistons 116-96.
To pick up a home-game win, the Heat will need to drastically turn around the poor defense that has cost them two games in a row now. The Clippers have similar issues at the moment. Considering both teams' setbacks of late, this game is an absolute must-win.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat Match Details
Fixture: Clippers @ Heat
Date & Time: Thursday, December 8, 07:40 p.m. ET
Venue: FTX Arena, Miami, Florida
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat Injury Report
On the Clippers' front, small forward Norman Powell is out due to a groin injury. Shooting guard Luke Kennard is questionable due to a calf injury. Small forward Marcus Morris Sr. is questionable due to illness. Point guard John Wall is questionable due to unspecified injury management issues.
On the Heat's end, center Omer Yurtseven is out due to ankle surgery. Small forward Jimmy Butler is questionable due to conditioning concerns. Point guard Gabe Vincent is out with a knee injury. Center Dewayne Dedmon is questionable due to a foot injury. Shooting guard Victor Oladipo is probable despite recent knee issues. Point guard Tyler Herro is probable despite recent ankle issues. Power forward Haywood Highsmith is probable despite ankle problems. Shooting guard Max Struss is probable despite shoulder problems at the moment.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat Betting Odds & Spreads
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat Starting 5s
Clippers - PG: Reggie Jackson, SG: Paul George, SF: Kawhi Leonard, PF: Marcus Morris, C: Ivica Zubac
Heat - PG: Kyle Lowry, SG: Tyler Herro, SF: Caleb Martin, PF: Jimmy Butler, C: Bam Adebayo
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat Prediction
The Heat are riddled with injuries and ailments at the moment. An alarming number of players will not be 100% coming into tonight which does not bode well for the Miami outfit. Furthermore, they looked weak on both sides of the court in their losses to Memphis and Detroit.
The Clippers, meanwhile, have picked up more wins this season and are considerably less hampered by injury ahead of tonight. Paul George is, by all accounts, in solid health tonight. His offense will likely give the ailing Heat nightmares. With all of this in mind, a Clippers win and a disappointed Miami crowd seems likely.
Prediction: Clippers +6 (-112)
