Cavaliers vs Heat Prediction & Odds: Miami Has Dominated Cleveland At Home

The Miami Heat (44-23 SU, 39-27-1 ATS) will look to build their lead atop the Eastern Conference when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers (38-27, 38-25-2) on Friday at FTX Arena. The Heat are 3-1 over their last four games while the Cavaliers will look to win their third straight contest. Can Cleveland upset the conference leaders? Find out in our Cavaliers vs Heat prediction.

Cavaliers vs Heat Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

The Heat opened as a 5.5-point home favorite with the total set at just 209.5 points in a battle between two defensive powerhouses. The UNDER is 4-2 in Miami’s last six outings while the OVER is 6-2 in the last eight meetings between the teams. Miami has dominated this matchup over the last few years, winning 19 of the last 20 meetings at home – an important factor to consider when making your Cavaliers vs Heat prediction.

Get the best Cavaliers vs Heat odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Garland Scores 41 As Cavs Top Pacers

The Cavaliers eked out a 127-124 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday thanks to a 41-point, 13-assist performance from Darius Garland. Evan Mobley (22 points, 12 rebounds) and Lauri Markkanen (21 points) also scored 20-plus for Cleveland while Tyrese Haliburton had 25 to lead Indiana.

Cleveland has been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this season, thanks in large part to their league-leading defense (103.5 points against per game). The Cavs have been slipping slightly of late, though, giving up 119 or more points in four of their last five outings.

Caris LeVert (foot) is out for Friday’s contest.

Heat Fall In Battle Of Conference Leaders

The Heat came out hot, scoring 25 points in the first six minutes, but ultimately fell 111-90 to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday in a battle between the two conference leaders. Devin Booker had 23 points to lead the way for Phoenix while Duncan Robinson had 22 points to top Miami as the Heat’s offense took a hit without Jimmy Butler, their leading scorer.

Wednesday marked the 21st game of the season that the Heat were without Butler, who has dealt with a plethora of injuries this year, ranging from his shoulder to his toe. Miami is 13-8 without its top scorer – a testament to the team’s offensive depth and commitment to defense.

Butler (illness) and Caleb Martin (knee) are questionable while Markieff Morris (neck/conditioning) is out.

Cavaliers vs Heat Pick & Insights

Cavaliers: Keys To Cover

The Cavs may be the underdog but they’ll like their chances in this matchup, especially if Miami is without Butler again. Cleveland owns the top defense in the NBA and the Heat haven’t exactly been elite offensively, scoring 109.4 points per game – 17th in the league.

Heat: Keys To Cover

With a fully healthy roster, the Heat are clear favorites in this one, but they’ll need some players to step up if Butler sits out. Herro will likely be Miami’s main man – the guard is averaging 24.8 points over his last 10 games, including two 30-plus point performances in his last five outings.

Odds Shark’s Computer Cavaliers vs Heat Prediction: Cavaliers +5.5

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