Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Game 5 Pick, Odds & Prediction – 10/9/20

After a two-day break, the 2020 NBA Finals betting action goes on with Game 5 between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Lakers need one more win to clinch their 17th title in franchise history and tie with the Boston Celtics atop of the list. The Heat, on the other side, are in dire straits, but they won’t go away easily, promising a great battle for the rest of the series. 

I have prepared the most important betting tips and trends for Friday’s clash in the NBA bubble, so let’s take a closer look, as down below will be my best betting pick for Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals, too. 

The Line

The Lakers are 7-point favorites on BetDSI, and their moneyline odds sit at -310. The Heat are +260 dogs to win straight up, while the totals are set at 216.0 points on BetOnline.  

Injuries/Suspensions

Miami will be without Goran Dragic once again, as the 34-year-old guards suffered a foot injury in Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals. Bam Adebayo hurt his neck in the opener and missed the next two games, but he returned last Tuesday and should be available for Friday’s contest.

On the other side, the Lakers are coming in full strength. 

What’s at Stake?

The Heat’s season is on the line, and they will try to prolong it for at least one more game. Only one team has ever managed to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Playoffs. 

The Spot

After a 102-96 defeat in Game 4, the Heat cannot afford another loss and will be under huge pressure in Game 5. At least, they had a couple of days to rest and prepare, but the Lakers are undoubtedly a more experienced team than the Heat. 

The Matchup

Miami outlasted LA 115-104 in Game 3 thanks to Jimmy Butler’s triple-double, while the team played excellent defense and executed very well on the offensive end. The Heat shut down Anthony Davis who finished the game with just 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field. 

However, the Heat couldn’t replicate that performance in Game 4. Davis had 22 points on 8-for-16 from the field; LeBron James posted 28 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was an X-factor with 15 points and five dimes including a huge triple down the stretch. 

Both teams shot below 45.0% from the field and committed 15 turnovers each, but the Lakers handed out seven assists more than their opponents (25-18). Los Angeles posted three rebounds more than Miami (42-39), and the Heat can be satisfied with their job on the glass. The Lakers combined for 27 offensive rebounds in Games 2 and 3. 

Bam Adebayo returned to the floor in Game 4 and accounted for 15 points and seven rebounds. Jimmy Butler had 22 points, 10 boards, and nine assists, while Tyler Herro added 21 points. However, the Heat struggled offensively down the stretch and blew a nice opportunity to tie the series. 

The Bets

The previous contest was the tightest one in this series, and I expect to see more of the same in Game 5 on Friday night. The Heat are a hard-working team and will never give up, so they should be able to keep it close once more. 

Still, I’m looking for the Lakers to finish the job. They’ve learned a valuable lesson in Game 3, so I’m backing the Lakers to win and cover a 4.5-point spread at -170 odds. If you fancy Miami’s chances, I suggest you buy a few points as well. 

The Lakers have won seven of their last eight encounters with the Heat, but they are only 1-4 ATS in the previous five matchups with Miami.