The Miami Heat will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The game starts at 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on TNT. This is the first game of the Eastern Conference First Round in the NBA Playoffs.
Miami Heat enters the game with a strong start to their postseason. They won their last two games in the Play-In Tournament. Against the Atlanta Hawks, they secured a 123-114 victory. Tyler Herro stood out with 30 points, while Bam Adebayo contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds. Earlier, they defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-90, with Herro scoring 38 points.
Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to bounce back after a recent loss to the Indiana Pacers. They fell 126-118 in their last regular season game. Jaylon Tyson led the Cavaliers with 31 points. Before that, they had a win against the New York Knicks, finishing 108-102. Darius Garland was key in that game, scoring 26 points and providing 13 assists.
Cavaliers Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round in the NBA Playoffs. Kenny Atkinson is the head coach. The team had a strong regular season with a record of 64-18. They ranked first in both the Eastern Conference and the Central Division.
At home, the Cavaliers had a record of 34-7. In their last 10 games, they went 6-4. The team did not have any games back, showing they led their conference. Their last game was a loss against the Indiana Pacers, with a score of 118-126.
In the recent game against the Pacers, Jaylon Tyson scored 31 points. Nae’Qwan Tomlin added 24 points and 12 rebounds. Emoni Bates also contributed with 25 points. Despite these efforts, the Cavaliers fell short.
Donovan Mitchell led the team in scoring during the regular season with 24.0 points per game. Darius Garland was the top assist provider with 6.7 assists per game. Jarrett Allen was strong in rebounds, averaging 9.9 per game. These players are key to the Cavaliers’ success in the playoffs.
Heat Preview
The home team is playing Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round in the NBA Playoffs. They have a chance to improve their postseason record. The team is looking to make the most of their home-court advantage.
During the regular season, the home team had a record of 37 wins and 45 losses. They performed slightly better at home with 19 wins and 22 losses. Their performance in the last 10 regular-season games was 6 wins and 4 losses.
In the postseason, the home team has not played any games at home yet. Their current postseason record is 2 wins and 0 losses. They have shown strong performance in away games so far.
The team is aiming to maintain their momentum in the playoffs. They will rely on their key players to step up. The home crowd will be a significant factor in their performance.
Statistical Breakdown for Cavaliers vs Heat
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a strong home record, which could be a factor in this game. Their key players, like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, will be important. The Miami Heat have been solid in away games during the playoffs. Both teams have shown good form in their last ten games. The performance of key players and the home crowd’s support will be crucial.
- Cavaliers Home Record: 34-7
- Cavaliers Last 10 Games: 6-4
- Donovan Mitchell Regular Season Points Per Game: 24.0
- Darius Garland Regular Season Assists Per Game: 6.7
- Jarrett Allen Regular Season Rebounds Per Game: 9.9
- Heat Regular Season Record: 37-45
- Heat Away Postseason Record: 2-0
- Heat Last 10 Regular Season Games: 6-4
Betting Insights
The Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to play, with both teams showing different betting trends. The Heat have been strong against the spread (ATS) in the postseason, while the Cavaliers had a solid regular season ATS record. The Over/Under trends also offer insights, with both teams having recent games that went over. Here are the top betting trends to consider for this game:
- Miami Heat are 2-0 ATS in the 2025 postseason, both as underdogs on the road.
- Cleveland Cavaliers have a strong road ATS record in the 2025 regular season at 19-11-1.
- Miami Heat have a 5-game over streak in the 2025 regular season.
- Cleveland Cavaliers had 50 games go over in the 2025 regular season.
- Miami Heat’s postseason games have averaged a combined score of 218.0 against an average line of 220.5.
Free Betting Prediction for Cavaliers vs Heat
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a strong home record, which gives them an edge in this game. With Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland leading the charge, the Cavaliers are expected to perform well. Their recent loss to the Pacers might motivate them to bounce back.
The Miami Heat, despite being underdogs, have shown they can win on the road. Their 2-0 postseason record away from home is impressive. The Heat will rely on their momentum and key players to challenge the Cavaliers.
Considering the Cavaliers’ home advantage and the Heat’s road success, this game could be close. The Cavaliers are favored, but the Heat’s ability to cover the spread makes them a strong contender. The game might see a high score, given both teams’ recent trends.
- Our Free Prediction: Heat +12.5
