The Cleveland Cavaliers (43-27) travel to face off against the Miami Heat (38-32) on Sunday, March 24th. This game will be played at Kaseya Center in Miami and televised on BSSU. Both the Cavaliers and Heat will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip off is scheduled for 6:00 ET.
Cavaliers vs Heat
The Cavaliers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Cavaliers is coming off a loss to the Timberwolves in their latest game, ending with a score of 104-91. Alongside their straight-up loss, the Cavaliers couldn’t cover as +7.5 point underdogs. When it comes to the over/under, the total of 195 points ended up falling short of the over/under line set at 206.5.
With an overall record of 43-27, the Cavaliers are 2-3 in their last five games. They are currently 3rd in the Eastern Conference and hold the 2nd spot in the Central division.
Cleveland has an ATS record of 34-34 so far this season which includes their current two game losing streak vs. the spread. When playing on the road, the Cavaliers hold an ATS record of 17-15 in contrast to a 17-19 record against the spread when playing at home.
The Heat Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Heat’s most recent matchup against the Pelicans saw Jimmy Butler lead the Heat with 17 points while shooting 5/12 from the field. Cole Swider finished 2nd on the team with 14 points, but Miami ended the game with a 111-88 loss.
In their last five games, the Heat are 3-2 and have an overall record of 38-32. Currently, they are in 7th place in the Eastern Conference and hold the 2nd spot in the Southeast division.
Miami’s ATS record is currently below .500 at 32-35 for the season. Miami has gone 16-20 against the spread this season when they are the favorites, and they are 16-15 when playing as underdogs.
Cavaliers Offense Breakdown
Through 70 games games, Cleveland is averaging 113.1 points per game (20th).
Heading into their matchup with the Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 113.1 points per game this season (20th in the NBA). However, they have struggled on the road, scoring just 111.8 points per game away from home (21st).
So far this season, the Cavaliers have scored below the NBA scoring average in 57.1% of their games. In terms of pace, they are 21st in the league at 97.2 possessions per game.
When it comes to their shooting, Cleveland is 14th in field goal percentage at 47%. They have been particularly effective inside the arc, ranking 10th in two-point shooting percentage at 56%. From beyond the arc, the Cavaliers are 16th in three-point shooting at 36%.
Heat Offense Breakdown
In 70 games games, Miami has an average of 109.4 points per game (27th).
At home, the Heat are averaging 111.9 points per game, which is 22nd in the NBA. On the season, Miami is 27th in scoring at 109.4 points per game. In terms of pace, the Heat are 29th in the league at 95.7 possessions per game.
When it comes to three-point shooting, Miami is 12th in the NBA at 36% from beyond the arc. Overall, the Heat are 23rd in field goal percentage at 46%.
In terms of two-point shooting, Miami is 28th in the league at 52%. On average, the Heat are making 12.2 three-pointers per game, which is 19th in the NBA. In terms of free throws, Miami is 10th in the league at 18.1 made free throws per game.
Cavaliers Team Defense
On defense, the Cavaliers come into the game ranked 5th in the league in points allowed at 109.3 per game. Over their last three games, the team is allowing 104.7 points per contest (7th). Most recently, the Cavaliers’ defense put together a solid performance, giving up just 104 points to the Timberwolves.
Heat Team Defense
So far, the Heat’s defense is ranked 4th in the league at 109.2 points per contest. When it comes to defending inside the arc, the Heat squad is permitting opposing teams to shoot at a clip of 55.1% inside the arc, and they’re also giving up 36.4% from downtown.
Key Players For The Cavaliers And Heat
In today’s game, our projections have Darius Garland leading the Cavaliers with 18 points on 6/15 shooting from the field. For the season, he has been averaging 18.7 points per game, in addition to 2.5 rebounds.
As for Miami, Jimmy Butler is projected to be the primary scorer for the Heat. Our forecast has him finishing the game with 21, and adding 5 rebounds. This season, he has put together a field goal percentage of 50.1%, and he is contributing 21.5 points per game on average.
Cavaliers vs Heat Trends
- In their last five games away from home, the Cavaliers have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 103 points per game in these contests.
- Miami has played well in their previous five home games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 102 points per game while allowing 101. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
- Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Cleveland has an ATS mark of 3-2 while going 2-3 straight up.
- Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Heat have an overall record of 2-1 while going 1-2 against the spread.
Cavaliers vs Heat Prediction
As the underdogs with a spread of +4.5, we recommend going with the Cavaliers on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 203, and our model projects the Cavaliers and Heat to reach a combined total of 222 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:March 24, 2024 Cavaliers, Heat