Cleveland-cavaliers vs Miami Heat Picks and Predictions March 5th 2025

Cleveland-Cavaliers vs Miami Heat March 5th 2025

Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET in Cleveland as the Cavaliers (-603) host the Heat (+438) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Cavs enter the game on an 11-game win streak and are favored by 11 points over Miami (29-31).

This game will be played at Rocket Arena and can be seen on ESPN. The over/under line is currently set at 227 points.

Find the Best NBA Picks for Smart Betting!

Heat vs. Cavaliers Key Information

Miami improved to 29-31 on the season with a 106-90 win over the Wizards on Monday. The Heat covered the -8.5 spread, and the game’s total of 196 points fell well short of the 217-point line.

Miami took control early, leading 32-24 after the 1st quarter and holding the Wizards to just 12 points in the 2nd. After Washington outscored Miami 32-26 in the 3rd, the Heat went on a 12-0 run in the 4th, extending the score from 87-74 to 99-74.

In their win over the Wizards, the Heat shot 47.6% from the field, connecting on 13 threes at a 35.1% rate. Bam Adebayo led the way with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Duncan Robinson added 17 points, hitting 3 threes at 42.9%.

Pelle Larsson contributed 16 points, with 9 coming in the 4th quarter. Tyler Herro also scored 16, with 6 in the 3rd, and Terry Rozier chipped in 15, scoring 7 in the opening period.

The Heat put on a defensive clinic against the Wizards, holding them to just 90 points on 36% shooting. Miami was especially dominant in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed only 12 points. They also limited Washington to 10 made threes on 28% shooting from beyond the arc.

Miami sent the Wizards to the line 22 times, where they made 18 free throws. The Heat controlled the boards, giving up just 7 offensive rebounds while collecting 43 defensive boards. They also added 10 steals and 4 blocked shots.

The Cavaliers improved to 51-10 this season with a 139-117 road win over the Bulls on Tuesday. Cleveland entered the game as -13.5 point favorites and covered the spread, while the total score of 256 points exceeded the O/U line of 241.5 by 14.5 points.

After falling behind 41-24 following a 10-0 run by the Bulls, the Cavs responded by winning the 2nd and 3rd quarters. They entered the 4th quarter leading 96-94 and dominated the final period, outscoring Chicago 43-23 to seal the win.

In their 139-117 win over the Bulls, the Cavaliers connected on 17 threes, shooting 35.4% from deep and 46.9% overall. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 28 points, including 16 in the 3rd quarter, while Jarrett Allen added 25 points and 17 rebounds, shooting 90.9% from the field.

Darius Garland hit 5 threes, finishing with 19 points, 10 of which came in the 2nd quarter. Javonte Green scored 10 of his 11 points in the 4th, and Ty Jerome added 7 of his 16 points in the final period.

Defensively, the Cavaliers gave up 117 points to the Bulls, including 36 in the 3rd quarter, but they tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 23 points to help secure the win. Cleveland held Chicago to 44% shooting overall.

The Cavaliers did an excellent job defending the three, with the Bulls hitting only 11 threes at a 25% clip. Cleveland also sent Chicago to the line 17 times, where they made 12 free throws. The Cavaliers finished with 42 defensive rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 blocks.

We’re calling a win for the Cavaliers, with a final score of 143-91, and we’re taking them to cover the spread. Our recommendation is to bet on the Cavaliers at -11.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 227, and our model predicts the Heat and Cavaliers to score a combined 234 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Don’t Miss Out on Expert NBA Betting Insights

Get Ahead Now!

Sign Up Today!

Streaking Cavaliers Set to Face Short-Handed Heat

Another month, another winning streak for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have won 11 straight heading into their matchup with the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

Cavaliers Keep Rolling

Cleveland extended its third double-digit winning streak of the season with a dominant 139-117 road victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 28 points, while Jarrett Allen contributed 25 points and 17 rebounds. With seven players scoring in double figures, the Cavaliers continue to showcase their depth.

Despite being 41 games over .500, Cleveland is not looking to ease up as the playoffs approach.

“There’s almost, like, right now, a sense of urgency,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We’re not going to wait until three games before the playoffs and say, ‘Oh, man, now we’ve gotta really focus.’ Our playoff focus starts now, and I think that keeps guys motivated, too.”

The Cavaliers will aim for a stronger start against Miami after rallying from double-digit deficits in each of their last three games. On Tuesday, they trailed by 15 points before outscoring the Bulls 43-23 in the fourth quarter.

“I think they’re very legitimate because if you look at their team, they’re not a one-trick pony,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. “There’s a lot of ways they can beat you.”

Cleveland and Miami have split their two meetings this season, with the Heat winning 122-113 on Dec. 8 before the Cavaliers responded with a 126-106 victory on Jan. 29.

Heat Battling Through Injuries

The Heat enter Wednesday’s matchup short-handed but managed to pull off a 106-90 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday despite having only nine available players. Bam Adebayo led the effort with 19 points and 15 rebounds, setting Miami’s all-time record for double-doubles with 222.

The Heat played without Kel’el Ware (sprained knee), Andrew Wiggins (sprained ankle), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (sprained ankle), Davion Mitchell (quadriceps contusion), and Nikola Jovic (broken hand). Four of those players remain sidelined, while Mitchell is listed as questionable.

“This is a resilient group,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “There’s great competitive character with this group. We brought the appropriate disposition and urgency.”

With key players out, rookie guard Pelle Larsson has seen increased minutes. He made the most of his opportunity against Washington, posting a career-high 16 points along with four rebounds and five assists.

“He brought that energy and extra oomph that carried over to everybody else,” Spoelstra said. “At key moments, he had his imprint, the deflections, the timely cuts. He has bottled-up energy.”

Unlock Winning Advice from Our Top Handicappers!