Miami Heat @ LA Clippers Tips - Clippers too slick for misfiring Miami

Not too long ago, when LeBron James played for them, the Miami Heat were the hottest team in basketball. They had the cool name, the most famous player in the world, other stars like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on their roster, and they were winning NBA championships.

Fast forward to 2021 and the Heat are floundering in ninth spot in the Eastern Conference, and in danger of missing the playoffs. On Tuesday they travel to Los Angeles to take on the high flying LA Clippers. I’m pickling the in-form Clippers to defeat Miami by 10 points or less. 

The Miami Heat and the LA Clippers have faced each other 64 times historically, and Miami are currently ahead 36 wins to 28. However, almost as a reflection of the changing fortunes of the teams, the Clippers have won 4 of their last five meetings dating back to 2018.

Their most recent meeting took place in Miami on January 28 this year, and the Clippers won 109-105.

It’s hard to believe that a year ago Miami were in the middle of a season that would see them go all the way to the NBA Championship Final, where they would lose to the Lakers 4-2. 

The Heat might be second in their Southeast Division behind the Charlotte Hornets, but their record of 11 wins and 15 defeats for a .423 winning percentage means they are only 9th in the Eastern Conference and on course to miss the playoffs. 

However there are signs that the Heat are turning things around; until Sunday’s defeat at Utah, Miami had won four-straight games which is their best winning run of the season. Players to watch for Miami are Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro. 

The Clippers are on course to make the playoffs for the third straight season. They are currently third in the Western Conference behind the Utah Jazz and LA Lakers. The Clippers have won 20 and lost 8 for a .714 win percentage. 

LA have won their last three games, most recently defeating Cleveland 128-111 on Sunday. The Clippers have won seven of their last 10 games. 

Standout players this season have been Kawhi Leonard, who aveages 26.7 points per game, Paul George (24 point average), Marcus Morris, Lou Williams and Serge Ibaka.