Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets NBA Playoffs Spread Game 5

On Friday night, the Charlotte Hornets have a chance to eliminate the Miami Heat on their own home court thanks to a shocking 90-88 upset win in Miami for Game 5, as Courtney Lee sank a late three to seal the victory. Lee had just missed a layup that would have given Charlotte a one-point lead, but then he made just his second shot of the night with 25.2 seconds. Be sure to check out for more betting lines for the NBA Playoffs by clicking here.

Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets NBA Playoffs Spread Game 5

When: Friday, April 29, 2016, 8:00pm Eastern time Where: Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC TV: ESPN Radio: Miami / Charlotte Live Stream: NBA.com NBA Odds: TBA

Why Should You Bet on Miami?

Luol Deng was basically invisible in Game 5, and the Heat still almost won. If he has an impact in Game 6, then the Heat should be able to move the series back south for a seventh game. Wade had a strong game, posting 25 points, and trade deadline acquisition Joe Johnson had 13 more. Miami had a tough time making key shots down the stretch as the Hornets put the clamps on the Miami offense. The Heat began the game with a 14-6 run, so they can get by the Hornets.

Why Should You Put Your Money on the Hornets?

The Hornets have now taken three straight games from the Heat after dropping Games 1 and 2 down on South Beach. The difference for the Heat in Games 1 and 2 is that they scored an unusually high number of points — over 110 in both cases. Once the Hornets were able to play a little better defense (and the Heat stopped making everything they jacked up from the floor) the series became a lot more competitive, and the Hornets started winning. The Hornets got balanced scoring for the first time in the series, as Marvin Williams had 17 and Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson had 14 each. Jeremy Lin had 11 more. Hassan Whiteside responded inside, getting 11 points and 12 boards, but the Hornets were able to hold on.

Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like the Hornets to finish off this series in Charlotte, as the Heat gave maximum effort at home and came up just short. I’m predicting a 99-94 Charlotte win.