As we head into game two of the series tonight, one thing is clear: the 64-18 Cleveland Cavaliers are on a different level from the 39-45 Miami Heat. This is no disrespect to the masterful job Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra has done, taking the first tenth-seeded team all the way into the playoff tournament. He deserves only the highest accolades for his work after his team traded Jimmy Butler, one of the game’s greatest ever playoff performers.
Nevertheless, expect their glorious run to end ingloriously at the hands of the Cavaliers, who are legitimate Championship contenders.
Heat vs. Cavaliers Preview
Where to watch: 7.30 ET, NBA.TV/FanDuel Sports.
The Cavs made light work of the Heat in the opening game of this series, winning 121-100. This game could also be called the ‘TY Jerome breakout game,’ after Jerome came off the bench and blitzed the Heat to the tune of 28 points on 10-15 shooting.
It was a true team effort from Cleveland. Jarrett Allen was a beast on the defensive end, notching three steals, double-digit rebounds, and a block. Darius Garland notched up 27 points at the other end.
Donovan Mitchell made more history with his 30 points, tying Michael Jordan by scoring at least 30 points in game one for the seventh straight series.
Cleveland has remarkable depth to call upon. They have an elite backcourt with Mitchell and Garland, plus, they are armed with size and defense in equal measure with Allen and Evan Mobley in the frontcourt. They also have the explosive wing De’Andre Hunter, who they acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in a steal of a trade at the deadline.
Max Strus is an underrated role player. He knows the Heat well and can provide valuable insider information. He was a key contributor for them until he left in free agency after 2023.
Kenny Atkinson was an astute coaching hire for the Cavs; he’s been honored with the NBCA Coach of the Year award for 2025.
Overall, the Cavs are loaded for a deep playoff run and are among the favorites to win it all.
Heat Preview:
Spoelstra, impressively, took his unfancied 39-45 team through the play-in tournament by dispatching better teams, such as the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks.
Although they’re a team in transition, Miami still has Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro from their 2023 finals team. Adebayo continues to be a matchup nightmare for any team. Despite the loss, he scored 24 points and nine rebounds in game one. Tyler Herro is very much their number one option coming off a career year.
Davion Mitchell is turning heads for his new team; he could be a potential breakout player candidate next year. Putting up 18 points and nine assists in game one. There’s a lot to like about Mitchell; he just needs to put all aspects of his game together.
Key Matchup:
Tyler Herro vs. Donovan Mitchell
It was a big season for Herro, averaging career highs in points (23.9), assists (5.5), and field goal percentage (47.2%).
Donovan Mitchell: The incredibly consistent “Spida” had another All-Star year, scoring 24 points plus five assists on 44% shooting. He’s simply one of the best scorers in the league. Now he has a supporting cast that can push him towards a title.
Heat vs. Cavaliers Predictions
Expect Cleveland to take care of business with another double-digit win tonight. Given the disparity between the two teams, it’s hard to envisage this series being anything other than a sweep or, at best, a gentleman’s sweep. This is one of the most lopsided series from a talent level standpoint.