Heat vs Hornets Picks and Prediction – 12/12/2023

The Monday NBA schedule will tip-off with a matchup between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets from the Spectrum Center. Step into the action with our NBA Previews. The Heat (12-10) lost several key pieces from last year’s team that made a run to the NBA Finals and are currently in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. On Friday, Miami allowed Cleveland to score 15 unanswered points twice during a 111-99 home loss.

Veteran G Kyle Lowry and G Josh Richardson led Miami with 17 points apiece on a combined 12-for-24 from the floor. Caleb Martin added 15 points (6-15 FG) and six rebounds for the Heat, who were outrebounded by a 51-37 margin.

The Charlotte Hornets have dropped seven of their first 11 home games and rank second worst in the league in defensive efficiency. On Friday, Charlotte raced out to a 13-point lead after one quarter and made the plays down the stretch to earn a 119-116 home victory versus Toronto. The Hornets (7-13) connected on 13-for-25 from the three-point line and shot a sizzling 56 percent overall.

Gordon Hayward led six Charlotte players in double figures with 24 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Miles Bridges chipped in 22 points (8-15 FG) and eight rebounds. Terry Rozier added 21 points (7-15 FG) and 13 assists for the Hornets.