Heat Favored At Home Against Depleted Hornets In NBA Preseason

• The Miami Heat have (-270) odds at home to beat the Charlotte Hornets (+220) in their NBA preseason matchup.
• The Heat are 3-0 so far in this NBA preseason.
• Gordon Hayward, Mason Plumlee, Terry Rozier, and Kelly Oubre are all out of the Charlotte lineup with injuries.

MIAMI – The NBA preseason continues as the Charlotte Hornets head to FTX Arena to face the undefeated Miami Heat on the road.

The Hornets have been dealing with a depleted roster, as Gordon Hayward and Mason Plumlee are out due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols as well as Terry Rozier alongside Kelly Oubre both having sprained ankles. Charlotte are listed as the underdogs at NBA betting sites.

Meanwhile, Miami has given limited minutes to their stars in Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry, but have still managed to go 3-0 in their preseason. Neither All-Star athlete played during the Heat’s 109-105 win against the San Antonio Spurs.

Heat May Not Play Stars

Miami has seen major production from their young talent so far in the preseason, which may see them continue playing their veteran stars with limited minutes or not playing them at all.

Tyler Herro in particular is leading the NBA preseason with 25.3 PPG and is shooting 56% from the field, 50% from behind the arc, and 86% from the free-throw line.

“He’s really improved all across the board,” said Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Head Coach. “He’s developing into one of the most skilled players in this league. You can see he gets where he needs to get.”

His hot streak is the main reason why regulated sports betting sites have Miami listed as such heavy favorites.

The Heat sitting out their All-Stars works in Charlotte’s favor, however, as it evens the playing field with Charlotte’s injuries. Reigning Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball is expected to lace up against Miami and has been solid in their two preseason games.

Ball put up 15 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds in just 21 minutes in the 113-97 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder and then put up 13 points and 7 assists in the 98-128 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Without their All-Star players, the Miami Heat and the injured Hornets are not that far off talent-wise. A hot game from the Hornets could become a problem for Miami.

Herro’s Hot Streak Not Sustainable

In addition to those factors, Tyler Herro may not continue shooting as efficiently as he has been. The 21-year-old sharpshooter has been known to be hot and cold throughout the regular season.

During the first three games defenders were not planning for him to play as he did. This is likely to change as he leads the preseason in total points with 76.

With the team scheming for Herro in particular, underdog betting fans may run into a cold night for the young guard.

The game begins at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be aired through NBA League Pass.

News tags: basketball | Charlotte Hornets | Erik Spoelstra | FTX Arena | Gordon Hayward | Jimmy Butler | Kelly Oubre | Kyle Lowry | Lamelo Ball | Mason Plumlee | Miami | Miami Heat | NBA | NBA League Pass | Preseason | Terry Rozier