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Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Miami Heat host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Kaseya Center in an NBA Cup Group Play opener. Miami returns home after a tough 1-3 road trip, while Charlotte looks to snap a rough stretch that includes four losses in their last five games. The Heat won the first meeting 144-117 on October 28, but both teams are dealing with key injuries heading into this rematch.
Line Movement and Odds
Miami is favored by 5 points at home. The total is set at 243. The Heat are -189 on the moneyline, while the Hornets are +158. Miami is 2-0 at home this season, while Charlotte is 1-3 on the road. Full odds breakdown available on ScoresAndStats NBA Odds.
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Matchup Breakdown
Charlotte Hornets Outlook
Charlotte continues to lean on its young core, with rookie Kon Knueppel emerging as a reliable scorer. He posted 20 points and 12 rebounds against New Orleans and is averaging 14.6 points and 5.8 boards on the season. Miles Bridges added 22 points in that game, while fellow rookies Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner have contributed solid minutes. The Hornets rank 8th in scoring (120.4 ppg), 6th in three-pointers made (15.1), and 12th in field goal percentage (48.0%). They also rank 10th in rebounding and 3rd in steals, giving them a chance to compete despite missing LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Josh Green, and Grant Williams. Coach Charles Lee continues to emphasize defensive intensity and physicality as the team builds chemistry.
Miami Heat Outlook
Miami returns home after a tough loss to Denver, where Bam Adebayo exited early with a toe injury. He will miss Friday’s game, joining Tyler Herro on the sidelines. Norman Powell leads the team in scoring (23.2 ppg) and three-point shooting (51.7%), while Davion Mitchell is averaging 7.9 assists. Rookie Kel’el Ware will start in Adebayo’s place and has shown promise with 10.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Miami ranks 4th in scoring (122.4 ppg), 8th in field goal percentage (49.5%), and 4th in assists (29.5 apg). Andrew Wiggins and Jaime Jaquez Jr. combined for 43 points against Denver and will be key in maintaining offensive rhythm. The Heat are 2-0 at home and begin a four-game homestand with a chance to build momentum.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
Powell vs. Knueppel will be a key scoring duel, but the battle in the paint between Ware and Kalkbrenner could swing the game. Miami’s ball movement and shooting efficiency give them an edge, but Charlotte’s rebounding and perimeter defense could keep it close. If the Hornets can limit turnovers and get strong bench production, they have a path to cover. For Miami, controlling tempo and getting early offense from Wiggins and Jaquez will be critical without Adebayo anchoring the middle.
Injuries / Availability
Miami will be without Bam Adebayo (toe) and Tyler Herro (ankle). Charlotte remains without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Brandon Miller (shoulder), Josh Green (shoulder), and Grant Williams (knee). All other key players are expected to be available.
Environment
Game is at Kaseya Center in Miami, where the Heat are 2-0 this season. Charlotte is 1-3 on the road and has not won in Miami since 2021. This is the first NBA Cup game for both teams in Group Play.
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Best Bets and Prediction
- Charlotte Hornets +5.0
- Under 243
Our model projects a 122-119 Miami win, making the Hornets a solid pick to cover. With both teams missing key players and Miami’s defense tightening at home, the under 243 is a reasonable lean.
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