Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat 10/29/21: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream

Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat Matchup Preview (10/29/21)

The Charlotte Hornets (4-1) may be the surprise team of the year; at least, so far, they are. Charlotte has started 4-1 with a tough win against the Brooklyn Nets. Now, the Hornets travel on Friday, October 29, to face a frightening defensive team in the Miami Heat (3-1). Miami has not been quite as dominant on offense as many expected at the beginning of the year; however, defensively, it has been nothing short of stellar, holding teams to a shockingly low 95 points per game. The Hornets will need to keep up their hot streak on the offensive end to outlast the defensive-centric Miami Heat. Charlotte ranks first in points per game, second in offensive efficiency, and second in 3P% (three-point percentage) in the NBA. While the sample size of games is small, it is hard to think the Hornets are a fluke with LaMelo and Bridges playing so well. On the flip side, Miami could win this bout by being more efficient on the offensive end. While the Heat have been amazing on the defensive end, they still have a lot of room for improvement scoring the ball. Their 3P% is 27th in the NBA, and with shooters like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, they will surely improve; it just depends on whether or not it will be in time for this game.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat Betting Odds

Miami is a solid favorite (-6) at home against the Charlotte Hornets (+6). The Heat currently have a Moneyline at -245, while Charlotte is at +200. The point total has not been posted on major sportsbooks at the time this article was written.

This is a game where the Miami Heat could really get on a roll offensively, as the Hornets’ defense has been quite underwhelming so far this season. Meanwhile, the Heat defense has been terrorizing opposing offenses all season, allowing merely 95 points per game. Charlotte should have its first real trouble against the Heat in this one. Go with the Heat plus the points.

The point total has not come out yet on major sportsbooks; however, I think it will be set a bit high due to Charlotte’s offensive success in its first few games. The Heat should hold Charlotte to around 105 points, while Miami should score around 115 and find its groove.

TV Schedule

Date: 10/29/21
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Arena: FTX Arena – Miami, FL
Channel: ESPN

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Charlotte Hornets Starting Lineup

PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Kelly Oubre Jr.
SF: Gordon Hayward
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Mason Plumlee

Charlotte Hornets Analysis

Finally, Charlotte has a respectable team to put on the floor. It has been an organization in the dumps for several years. It has its franchise player in LaMelo Ball and several talented pieces around him, including Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, James Bouknight, and others. LaMelo and Bridges have been the two brightest lights thus far: Ball is averaging 19.6 points, six assists, 5.6 rebounds, and two steals, while Bridges is averaging 26.2 points and eight rebounds per game. Bridges is an early frontrunner for the Most Improved Player award as he is showing an aptitude for scoring on offense for the first time in his career. Altogether, the Hornets are playing at an elite level offensively. They are first in points per game, second in offensive efficiency, second in 3P% (three-point percentage), and fifth in FG% (field goal percentage). The Hornets have a 4-1 record and look like a competitor in the Eastern Conference. This matchup should be super close and tell us a lot about both the Hornets and the Heat.

Miami Heat Starting Lineup

PG: Kyle Lowry
SG: Jimmy Butler
SF: P.J. Tucker
PF: Duncan Robinson
C: Bam Adebayo

Miami Heat Analysis

The Miami Heat have had a strong start to the 2021-22 season, evidenced by their incredible defense and 3-1 record. This off-season, Miami brought in P.J. Tucker and Kyle Lowry: two perfect additions to its roster filled with toughness and defense. The Heat have been absolute killers on the defensive end, ranking first in opponent points per game, first in defensive efficiency, second in opponent eFG% (effective field goal percentage), and second in opponent 3P% (three-point percentage). The emergence of Tyler Herro has also been a massive talking point surrounding the Heat. He is averaging 21 points, 7.2 rebounds, and four assists through four games. While this is a small sample size, his usage is incredibly high. Herro had a game against the Indiana Pacers where he put up 30 points on 28 shots. While it was not the most efficient performance, he still was relied upon to keep shooting. His year-over-year improvements should make this Heat team even scarier than they were expected to be. This year, my expectations for Miami are for it to be a top-three or top-four seed in the Eastern Conference and make a strong playoff push for the Conference Finals.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat Daily Fantasy Picks

LaMelo Ball has been even more impressive than last year during his Rookie of the Year campaign. He is putting up 19 points, six assists, 5.6 rebounds, and two steals per game. He is also shooting a blistering 45.9% from behind the arc. Ball had an off game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, but I don’t expect him to have back-to-back bad performances. The Hornets are cruising, and Ball has plenty of weapons to pass to and ways to score.

Tyler Herro has been on a tear to begin the 2021-22 NBA season. While his usage and stats have been terrific, his efficiency has not. Nonetheless, Herro is being used a ton in the Heat’s offense, which should continue throughout the season. If his efficiency improves, his averages of 21 points, 7.2 rebounds, and four assists will increase. Herro has a ton of value in fantasy right now, and a massive game for him is right around the corner.