The Charlotte Hornets have clearly turned the corner from also-ran to up and comer. Getting past the Miami Heat might be another step in that development.
The Heat visit Charlotte Tuesday night, looking for their fifth straight win over the Hornets, and their eighth win in nine games overall.
Despite that dominance, injuries to the visitors have my Heat vs. Hornets predictions and free NBA picks backing the home team on March 17.
Heat vs Hornets prediction
Heat vs Hornets best bet: Hornets -3.5 (-110)
Miami is punching at the door of the East’s top six, starting the day just a half game back of both the Raptors and Magic.
The Miami Heat are scoring 124.1 points per game on their current 7-1 streak, which ranks second in the NBA.
But Bam Adebayo (calf) is questionable Tuesday, while Andrew Wiggins (toe) has already been ruled out.
That might be enough for the Charlotte Hornets to end their skid vs. Miami. They have just three losses in their last 11, and are holding teams to 105.1 points per game, which is third in the NBA over that time.
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Heat vs Hornets same-game parlay
Kon Knueppel has topped his 18.5 scoring line in four of his last six starts, and he’s gone for at least 27 in each of his last two starts against the Heat.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has led the team in assists in four straight games, and he’s had five or more assists in four straight, and in two of his last three against Charlotte.
Heat vs Hornets SGP
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ride with Knueppel until the wheels fall off
Let’s ride the rookie to fill out this SGP.
Knueppel has grabbed six boards in back-to-back games, and had an 8-rebound game against the Heat earlier this season.
His 2.5 assist line is gettable: Knueppel has hit the Over in all three games vs the Heat, and has had at least three dimes in five of his last seven games.
Heat vs Hornets SGP
- Hornets -3.5
- Kon Knueppel Over 18.5 points
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 4.5 assists
- Kon Knueppel Over 5.5 rebounds
- Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 assists
Heat vs Hornets odds
- Spread: Miami +5.5 (-110) | Charlotte -5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Miami +180 | Charlotte -220
- Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Heat vs Hornets betting trend to know
Charlotte is 18-13-0 ATS at home this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Hornets.
How to watch Heat vs Hornets
| Location | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Tuesday, March 17, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-Sun, FDSN-Charlotte |
Heat vs Hornets latest injuries
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