These two teams met in Charlotte on Nov. 14. The Heat were 6 1/2-point road favorites and won, 111-105.

Now the Heat are much smaller favorites. I don't get it. But I am going to take advantage of it and lay the lower number.

Charlotte is 7-13. The Hornets have a losing home record. Miami has a winning road mark.

The Hornets shot a season-best 55.7 percent from the floor to beat the Raptors, 119-116, at home this past Friday in their previous game.

The Heat defeated the Raptors, 112-103, in Toronto this past Wednesday. That was two games ago. Miami lost, 111-99, at home to the Cavaliers in its past game three days ago. No shame in that. The Cavaliers are coming on winning nine of their last 12 games.

I like getting Heat coach Erik Spoelstra with three days to prepare coming off a blowout home loss. The Heat have a top-nine defense. I don't see the Hornets having another hot-shooting game like they did against the Raptors against a motivated, superior opponent.