Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Clippers Spread Analysis, Picks and Trends

In a potential preview of the NBA Finals, the two-time defending champion Miami Heat visit the Staples Center, looking to earn their sixth win in seven games when they face the Western Conference-contending Los Angeles Clippers.

Miami has lost five straight on the road against the Clips, but they have been dominant as road underdogs.

Point Spread

This game opened last night as a PK, but betting has moved the Clippers to 1.5-point favorites as of midday Wednesday. The total was 208. (Line updates and matchup report details).

Computer Prediction

102-100 Clippers, courtesy of Odds Shark NBA picks computer

Why the Heat Can Cover the Spread

Since a three-game losing streak in mid-January, the defending champs have won seven of nine, including a win over defending Western Conference-champion San Antonio.

The loss to the Thunder last week sparked the Heat's offensive game, which produced an average of 104 points in the next two wins, at New York and versus Detroit.

Why the Clippers Can Cover the Spread

Resiliency has been the name of the game for the Clippers the past month or so, as they're 11-5 since losing their All-Star point guard, Chris Paul.

And while there have been some weaker teams on the slate during the run, L.A. recently finished 5-2 on a seven-game road trip across the Mississippi, which is never easy this time of year.

They have won five straight at home to the Heat and only need to cover 1.5 points.

Smart Pick

Take the road underdog in this one, as Miami is embarking on six-game road trip that is book-ended by the Clippers and Thunder. The last thing the Heat want to do is open this road trip with a loss.

The home team has been dominant in this series, but the Heat already beat this team earlier this season and will be plenty motivated to keep their win streak intact for this junket. The road dog is your smart pick.

Trends

• The Heat have lost five straight at the Clippers (1-4 ATS)
• Heat are 8-2 ATS in past 10 games as road underdogs

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark. Follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line-move updates.