NBA Preview: Lakers and Heat Must Forget Troubles

Miami and LA both face tough assignments in primetime tonight as they look to record signature victories ahead of the All Star break.

Spurs still sharp
San Antonio lost for just the eighth time all season at Portland on Tuesday but will be keen to get back on track in the second of eight straight road games tonight. They travel to the Staples Center to take on a Lakers’ team which is currently struggling to close out games. A dismal effort in the fourth quarter on Sunday saw Los Angeles fall 109-96 to the Celtics and it took an overtime effort to dispatch Houston on Tuesday.

The Lakers are surrounded by trade talk, with Ron Artest reportedly unhappy with his current situation in Los Angeles. Artest, while still a defensive force, has been far below his best this season but it’s hard to see what moves Phil Jackson can make that will make LA stronger before the playoffs. Adding a new part will only complicate the Lakers’ recent difficulties in finding their rhythm. Instead they need to focus on working better together and finding a way to churn out Ws.

Tonight will be a tough reality lesson for the Lakers. While I like LA to make it back to the NBA Finals, they aren’t playing at the same level as the Spurs right now. Look for DeJuan Blair to capitalise on the possible absence of Andrew Bynum with San Antonio using their physical superiority to overpower the Lakers. Bet on the San Antonio Spurs as +3.5 favorites with Sports Interaction.

Miami can get on a hot streak
LeBron and the Heatles have a point to prove in Orlando tonight. After losing in New York last week, Miami gutted out wins over the Pistons and Thunder before tearing through the awful Cavs. King James wasted no time afterwards in declaring the importance of Thursday’s match-up with the Magic as Miami look to cement their place at the top of the Southeast division.

The Magic have the roster to compete with the Heat but are currently managing some injury issues that make them vulnerable. NBA betting fans know that the Amway Center is a tough place for any team to visit and the Magic are 18-6 at home so far this season. I like Orlando to keep this one close throughout but look for the healthier Heat to take control late. It’s going to be tight, it might well be forgotten about in April, but for now bet on the Miami Heat to win with Sports Interaction.

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