Both teams come into this game on the back of wins, but while the Miami Heat have lost just twice in their last seven games, the Cleveland Cavaliers have won only three of their previous eight.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat return home after five games out West and head into this meeting with two consecutive wins. They beat Sacramento (114:108) and the Utah Jazz (115:109) in their latest games, taking their tally to three wins in their last five outings. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the standout performer against the Jazz: the forward scored 30 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and provided four assists. Davion Mitchell added 19 points and eight assists. The Heat secured the win despite their opponents' clear advantage in rebounds and points in the paint.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers ended their losing run before travelling to Florida with a 115:107 win over the New York Knicks. James Harden produced one of his best performances of the early season, scoring 32 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. Donovan Mitchell added 23 points and six assists, while Jarrett Allen grabbed 14 rebounds. Before that, however, the Cavaliers had lost to Charlotte (112:124) and the Knicks (97:109). They are capable of scoring heavily but have yet to show defensive solidity, allowing an average of 114.3 points per game, which ranks 20th in the league.
Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers pose a threat through the individual quality of Harden and Mitchell, as well as their advantage in size and rebounding. Nevertheless, home-court advantage, extra rest and their current winning run make the Miami Heat the preferred pick. We should not expect an easy game, but the hosts are capable of covering a positive handicap.
