This matchup has lost a bit of lustre compared to when LeBron James first headed back to Cleveland and Dwyane Wade was still in South Beach but it's an exciting Saturday night tilt nonetheless. The new look Cavaliers have a firm grasp on one of the top two seeds in the East and will use the remaining 20-something games to acquaint each other with their new lineup. The Heat are currently on the outside looking in at the #9 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavs went all in on their roster even after the trade deadline had passed adding 3-time All-Star Deron Williams and former #1 pick Andrew Bogut to the squad. They've got one thing in sight – a June matchup in the NBA Finals presumably with the Golden State Warriors.
With Cleveland looking ahead somewhat and trying to adjust to new teammates, Miami is hoping they get complacent so they can gain some ground on Detroit for the East's final playoff spot. Will Lebron show his new teammates a good time at Story when the Cavs get into town allowing Miami an easy upset home win? Bettors are hoping so.
Both Teams on Back to Back Scheduling
Actually, there might not be much time for dancing at all when the Cavs roll into South Beach. They have a tough Friday night tilt in Atlanta on Friday night before battling the Heat on Saturday. Miami is on a back and back themselves but only 3 hours up the Turnpike in Orlando.
Both teams are actually kind of hot heading into the weekend. The teams are trending opposite of each other as they face off Saturday night. Cleveland tallied 3 losses in a row to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Boston whereas the Heat have won 4 of 5 as they surge towards the postseason.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat Pick
Miami may also have some revenge in mind after their 30 point loss in Cleveland on December 9th. If the two teams are to meet up in the playoffs, the Heat will want some confidence in the form of at least one home win (the teams also play Monday in Cleveland and in April back in Miami).
The direction of the total on this game can be hard to gauge but there is a heavy lean on the side. Miami has more motivation to win and has the scheduling and travel advantage. It's not even known if Lebron James will play this game as he's been DNP on three back-to-back's this season. Look for the Heat to get the outright win in this matchup.
