The first meeting this season between the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James and his former team, the Miami Heat, didn’t disappoint. However, it proved a little disappointing for LeBron as his old friends prevailed in South Beach. With Miami playing better basketball on the road recently, we’re in for another treat when Cleveland welcomes the Heat to Quicken Loans Arena. Read on as we break down this intriguing Eastern Conference clash.
Want some Eastern flavor your Wednesday hoops night? Check out our complete previews for the Wizards vs. Raptors and Hawks vs. Celtics.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland
When: Wednesday, February 11, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Miami Heat
When the Miami Heat get going they’re very difficult to stop.
Chris Bosh had 32 points on 12-of-23 shooting (4-of-6 from three-point range) and Mario Chalmers scored 18 as the Heat beat the New York Knicks 109-95 on Monday. Luol Deng added 12 points and Chris Andersen and Norris Cole combined for 22 points off the bench.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Miami displayed the same offensive efficiency in their win over LeBron James and the Cavaliers on Christmas Day. Bosh sat out that game due to an injury, but expect him to be dominant in this matchup. He has averaged 22.4 points over the past three games and has shot 44 percent from downtown. Cleveland has allowed about eight three-pointers per game.
Another Miami big man to keep an eye on is the budding star Hassan Whiteside. He has four double-doubles, including a 20 point-20 rebound game, along with a triple-double over his last seven games. Aside from scoring and cleaning up the boards, he has also proven to be an adept shot-blocker which should prove useful against the Cavs. Whiteside has averaged 3.6 blocks over his last seven games, including a career-high 12-block performance against Chicago on January 25.
While the Heat will continue to miss Dwyane Wade due to a hamstring injury, they’ll still be left in good hands with Deng on the wing. Deng had never finished a game with at least 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists until he did so against Cleveland last Christmas.
Miami is 7-2-1 ATS over its last 10 games on the road.
Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers
“Stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT-IN,” James wrote in a tweet. “Be a part of something special! Just my thoughts.”
James didn’t leave it all out on Twitter; he made a case on the court by giving Kevin Love plenty of loving. The former Minnesota star responded by scoring a season-high 32 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 120-105.
Love went 11-for-18 from the floor, including 7-for-8 from three-point range. He finished with 10 rebounds for his 28th double-double of the season. All of his 11 makes came off assists, which should put Cleveland in position for another big game if they move the ball as efficiently.
The Cavs should be able to continue finding open passing lanes against Miami. The Heat have allowed 28.3 assists over the past three games, 29th in the league during that span.
Point guard Kyrie Irving had 28 points and 10 dimes against Los Angeles, while James flirted with a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. The Cavs are 22-5 when James has seven or more assists in a game.
The Cavs are amidst their most successful stretch of the season going 13-1 SU and 11-3 ATS over their last 14 games.
Writer’s Prediction
Excellent ball movement leads the Cavs to a win and cover. Create a betting account now and get set for a great night of basketball.
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