The Charlotte Hornets will face the Miami Heat on Friday as they both embark on their 2025 NBA Cup campaigns. The matchup is set to take place at the Kaseya Center. Currently, the Heat are favored by 4.5 points despite the absence of Bam Adebayo, while the Hornets may also be without Lamelo Ball.
Current Team Conditions
The Hornets have managed a split of 1-1 in their last two games without Ball. He is recovering from an injured right ankle and may still participate in the game. However, it’s important to note that Charlotte has yet to defeat any opponent with a .500 record or better this season.
Conversely, the Miami Heat have shown resilience despite Tyler Herro’s absence. Adebayo’s role as a defensive anchor is crucial, and his absence raises concerns about the Heat’s performance, particularly on offense.
Injury Updates
- Bam Adebayo: Out (Miami Heat)
- Lamelo Ball: Uncertain (Charlotte Hornets)
- Tyler Herro: Out (Miami Heat)
Betting Insights
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, here’s a snapshot of the betting odds leading up to the game:
| Betting Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Miami -4.5 |
| Moneyline | Miami favored |
| Total Points | Under 239.5 |
The matchup may be low-scoring due to both teams missing key players. Recent trends indicate that the total points have consistently fallen below the line when Ball does not play, highlighting the absence of playmaking ability. The under has hit in four consecutive games for Charlotte.
Player Highlights
Despite Adebayo’s absence, Mitchell has performed admirably as Miami’s starting point guard, achieving a career-high of 7.9 assists per game. He will likely play a significant role in the game, particularly in facilitating as the team adjusts to their current lineup.
With Tre Mann expected to step in as the starting point guard for the Hornets, both teams may struggle with offensive execution. The reduced pace and lack of key scorers suggest betting on the under could yield favorable results.
Stay tuned as the game approaches, and consider the latest insights from El-Balad for your betting decisions.
