Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions October 28th 2025

Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat Betting Preview

The Charlotte Hornets visit the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in a Southeast Division matchup featuring two teams off to 2-1 starts. Both squads enter with momentum after statement wins, setting up a high-paced battle between the NBA’s top offensive units.

Line Movement and Odds

Miami opened as a 6.0-point home favorite with the total set at 239. The Heat sit at -228 on the moneyline, while Charlotte is listed at +189. Early action leans toward the over after both teams combined for 254 and 246 points in their previous outings.

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Charlotte Hornets Outlook

The Hornets come in riding high after a 139-113 win over Washington. LaMelo Ball exploded for 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists, marking his 11th career triple-double and setting the tone for Charlotte’s renewed mentality. Coach Charles Lee praised the team’s accountability after a player-led halftime meeting turned their performance around.

Charlotte ranks first in scoring at 132 points per game and second in three-point accuracy at 41.4 percent. Collin Sexton and rookie Kon Knueppel continue to provide consistent secondary scoring, combining for 40 points in the win at Washington. The Hornets’ up-tempo offense and spacing have made them one of the early surprises of the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte Hornets Injury Report

• Brandon Miller (shoulder) – out
• Cody Martin (ankle) – questionable

Miami Heat Outlook

The Heat are coming off a 115-107 victory over the Knicks that showcased their balance and energy. Norman Powell led the charge with 29 points, while Bam Adebayo controlled the paint with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Miami has scored 382 total points through three games — the most by any Heat team to start a season.

Erik Spoelstra’s group has embraced a faster tempo, averaging 127.3 points per game (third in the league) while ranking first in rebounds (51.3 per game). Miami’s defense remains sound, allowing just 115.3 points per game and holding opponents to 31 percent shooting from deep.

Powell’s arrival from Los Angeles has added a new gear to Miami’s offense, while Adebayo’s consistency inside continues to anchor both ends of the floor. The Heat’s transition game and rim protection have made them one of the NBA’s most balanced early-season teams.

Miami Heat Injury Report

• Tyler Herro (ankle) – out
• Jaime Jaquez Jr. (knee) – probable

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

This matchup will be dictated by pace. Charlotte thrives in up-tempo play, ranking second in possessions per game, while Miami’s improved transition attack has been just as lethal. LaMelo Ball’s playmaking and Norman Powell’s finishing ability are the X-factors for their respective teams.

The Hornets will need to stay disciplined on defense to handle Miami’s ball movement and off-ball cuts. Meanwhile, the Heat must limit second-chance opportunities — Charlotte ranks top-five in offensive rebounds. Expect both point guards to push the tempo, creating a fast-paced shootout in South Beach.

Best Bets and Prediction

Both offenses are hot, but Miami’s home-court advantage and experience could make the difference late. Charlotte’s energy and shot-making keep them competitive, yet Bam Adebayo’s interior dominance gives the Heat the edge in crunch time.

Projected Score: Heat 130, Hornets 127
Best Bet: Hornets +6.0 (-111)
Secondary Lean: Over 239 (-110)

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