The Miami Heat travel to Los Angeles on Sunday for a matchup with the Lakers, as both teams look to build early-season momentum. The Lakers enter at 4-2 and recently welcomed back Luka Doncic, who erupted for his third 40-point performance in three games this season. Deandre Ayton is listed as probable after a back issue kept him limited last game. Miami comes in at 3-2 despite being shorthanded, with Tyler Herro sidelined and Norman Powell questionable. 
 

 

 

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers Total and Spread

  • Spread: Lakers -4.5
  • Total: 233.5

 

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers Injury Updates

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Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers Projected Starting Lineups

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DFS Captain / MVP Picks

Luka Doncic (LAL, PG)

Doncic returned from injury sooner than expected and immediately played 39 minutes and dropped 44 points. The upside is among the highest in the entire league while LeBron James remains out, and he is the easy choice for the player most likely to be the optimal Captain/MVP. 

 

Austin Reaves (LAL, SG)

Reaves' upside undoubtedly takes a hit with Doncic back in the lineup, but he is still a primary scorer and playmaker for the Lakers. He plays minutes in the upper 30s and would be the most likely candidate to pick up the slack if Luka has an off night. 

 

Bam Adebayo (MIA, PF)

The highest ceiling on the Heat side belongs to Bam Adebayo, who is coming off his best performance of the season. The big man posted 31 points and 10 rebounds against the Spurs last game. That double-double upside with contributions in assists and defensive categories can get him to 50+ fantasy points if things go well. 

 

 

 

DFS Utility Picks 

Norman Powell (MIA, SG)

Keep an eye on the injury report, as Powell is listed questionable after missing the last two games. He's shouldered a huge chunk of the scoring load while Tyler Herro has been out to begin the season, posting a 26.2% usage rate in the first three games.  

 

Andrew Wiggins (MIA, SF)

A solid floor play thanks to a minutes expectation around 30 minutes. The upside increases significantly if Powell is unable to play. Wiggins has scored at least 20 points in both games Powell missed. 

 

Marcus Smart (LAL, PG/SG)

Smart has played more than 30 minutes in each of the last two games. He hasn't been shooting a ton, but he can contribute with some peripheral stats. Solid price for the high-minutes role. 

 

Kel'el Ware (MIA, C)

Minutes have bounced around for Ware early in the season, but he should settle in the low 20s as long as he remains in the starting lineup. That's enough for an outside chance at double-digit points and rebounds. 

 

 

 

DFS Dart Throws

  • Jaxson Hayes (LAL, C): Played 23 minutes with Ayton banged up last game. Probably settles in the low teens if Ayton is a full-go, but he's a solid per-minute producer at a cheap price. 
  • Deandre Ayton (LAL, C): Played great in Luka's absence. An injury limited him in Luka's return, but there is room for strong production if Doncic and Reaves don't soak it all up. 
  • Nikola Jovic (MIA, PF): Jovic is off the injury report and should return to a significant role in the mid-20s. 
  • Jaime Jaquez (MIA, SF): Solid bench role that would grow if Powell is unable to play. 
  • Davion Mitchell (MIA, PG): Production has been down since a monster performance on opening night. 
  • Simone Fontecchio (MIA, SF): Should still have a role of nearly 20 minutes even with the return of Jovic. Cheap price tag and solid production so far this season. 
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