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Miami Heat vs Cleveland-Cavaliers April 26th 2025
Today at 1:00 ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers (-223) will take on the Miami Heat (+186) in a matchup between the 1st place team in the Eastern Conference and the 8th place team. The Cavaliers are currently favored by 5.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 213.5.
This game will be played at the Kaseya Center in Miami, and can be seen on TNT.
Cavaliers vs. Heat Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
- Where: Miami at Kaseya Center
- Date: Saturday, April 26th
- Betting Odds CLE -5.5, CLE -223 | MIA +186 O/U 213.5
The Cavaliers Can Win If…
With a 121-112 win over the Heat on Wednesday, the Cavaliers improved to 64-18 this season. Cleveland was at home and entered the game as -12 point favorites. The final score exceeded the O/U line of 213.5 by 19.5 points.
Cleveland took control with a 43-27 2nd quarter, but Miami made a push in the 4th, going on a 10-0 run. The Cavs held on for the win, but the Heat’s late surge kept the final margin within single digits.
Donovan Mitchell’s 30 points and 7 threes at 70% shooting from deep led the Cavaliers to a win over the Heat. Cleveland hit 22 threes as a team, shooting 48.9% from beyond the arc and 47.6% overall.
Mitchell scored 17 points in the 4th quarter, while Darius Garland added 7 of his 21 points in the final frame. Evan Mobley contributed 20 points, with 8 coming in the 3rd quarter.
Despite giving up 112 points, the Cavaliers held off the Heat on Wednesday. Cleveland allowed 24 points in the 1st quarter and 27 in the 2nd, but Miami scored 29 in the 3rd and 32 in the 4th.
The Heat shot 51% from the field, including 35% from three-point range, with 16 threes. Cleveland sent Miami to the line 16 times, where they made 12 free throws. The Cavaliers also recorded 10 steals and 1 block.
- In their last ten games away from home, the Cavaliers have a straight up record of 5-5 while going 5-5 vs. the spread. The team averaged 118 points per game in this stretch.
- Cleveland has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.
- Over their last five games, the Cavaliers have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.
The Heat Can Win If…
The Heat fell to 37-45 on the season after a 121-112 road loss to the Cavaliers on Wednesday. Miami entered the game as +12 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 233, exceeding the O/U line of 213.5 by 19.5 points.
Miami went on a 10-0 run, stretching the score from 93-77 to 103-77. However, Cleveland responded with a strong 2nd quarter, outscoring Miami 43-27. The Heat fought back in the 3rd and 4th quarters, winning both, but couldn’t overcome the deficit.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 33 points and 6 rebounds in their loss to the Cavaliers, shooting 58.3% from the field and hitting 4 threes at 36.4%. Davion Mitchell added 18 points, 14 of which came in the 4th quarter, shooting 77.8% overall and 50% from deep. Haywood Highsmith contributed 17 points, knocking down 5 threes at an 83.3% clip.
Miami made 16 three-pointers, shooting 35.6% from beyond the arc, while finishing with an overall field goal percentage of 51.9%. Herro scored 13 points in the 2nd quarter, while Mitchell’s 14-point 4th quarter helped keep the Heat in the game.
Despite strong defensive efforts in the 1st and 3rd quarters, the Heat gave up 43 points in the 2nd, leading to a 121-112 loss to the Cavaliers. Miami allowed Cleveland to shoot 47% from the field.
The Heat struggled to defend the perimeter, as the Cavaliers hit 22 threes at a 48% clip. Cleveland also went 21/23 from the free-throw line. Miami finished with 29 defensive rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.
- When looking at their past three home matchups, Miami has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 111 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
- Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, Miami has an ATS mark of 2-1 while going 1-2 straight up.
- In their last three games, the Heat have an over/under record of 3-0 and are 0-2-1 vs. the spread.
The Lean
The Cavaliers is our selection to secure the victory, with a projected score of 145-134. We also like them to cover the spread, so we suggest betting on the Cavaliers at -5.5.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 213.5 and given that our model is projecting 279 points between the teams, we like the over.
Every Dunk, Every Three
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Cavaliers Aim for 3-0 Stranglehold as Series Shifts to Miami
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been all business through the first two games of their first-round playoff matchup against the Miami Heat.
Now, with the series shifting to South Florida for Game 3 on Saturday afternoon, Cleveland has a chance to put a stranglehold on the series—and head coach Kenny Atkinson knows that’s easier said than done.
Despite two relatively comfortable home wins, Atkinson warned:
“This is not your typical 10-seed,” he said, acknowledging the Heat’s pedigree and playoff experience.
The Heat battled through the NBA Play-In Tournament to secure the No. 8 seed and are now fighting to save their season.
Catch full playoff standings and betting odds at the NBA Scores and Odds Page.
Donovan Mitchell Torching Heat’s Defense
If the Heat want to extend the series, the first order of business is finding a way to slow down Donovan Mitchell.
The Cavaliers’ All-Star guard has opened the postseason with back-to-back 30-point games, displaying a mix of deep shooting, explosive drives, and late-game poise.
In Game 1, Mitchell fueled a 121-100 rout, and even when Miami made a charge in Game 2, Mitchell responded with clutch shots to close out the 121-112 win.
Mitchell has now topped 30 points three times this season against Miami, dating back to a 34-point outburst in January.
His playoff brilliance is drawing attention in the postseason MVP race — track award futures on the NBA MVP Blog.
Heat Leaning on Grit, Searching for Spark
Tyler Herro has done everything he can to keep Miami competitive, dropping 33 points in Game 2 and igniting a furious second-half comeback that briefly cut the Cavaliers’ lead to single digits.
But Miami needs more than one hero.
Without the steady contributions that defined last year’s Finals run, the Heat have struggled to sustain offense against Cleveland’s suffocating defense, led by Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley.
Coach Erik Spoelstra knows they can’t afford another slow start:
“We struggled to contain Mitchell down the stretch. He made some tough shots. He did what he typically does,” Spoelstra said.
Find full playoff game previews and player prop tips at the NBA Expert Betting Guide.
Key X-Factors for Game 3 in Miami
The midseason acquisition of Andrew Wiggins was supposed to give Miami another offensive weapon. So far, it hasn’t materialized.
Through two games, Wiggins is shooting a disappointing 8-for-21 and did not see the court in the fourth quarter of Game 2.
While Spoelstra attributed his benching to the momentum of the lineup on the floor, Miami badly needs Wiggins to break out if they hope to extend the series.
Keep tabs on roster changes and key injury news via the NBA Team Page.
Cavaliers’ Balanced Attack a Huge Advantage
The Cavaliers aren’t just winning with Donovan Mitchell heroics—they’re thriving because of depth and consistency across the roster.
- Evan Mobley anchors the defense while chipping in key buckets.
- Darius Garland creates space and hits timely shots.
- Jarrett Allen controls the glass and protects the rim.
- Max Strus provides energy, spacing, and veteran savvy.
- De’Andre Hunter, after a scoreless Game 1, bounced back to score 12 points in Game 2 off the bench.
Cleveland’s depth advantage is a major factor heading into Game 3.
For a look at Eastern Conference playoff bracket updates, check the NBA Eastern Conference Blog.
Heat’s Path to Victory: What Needs to Change
If the Heat want to make this a series again, they must:
- Start Fast: Miami can’t fall behind early again; quick ball movement and aggressive attacking are key.
- Contain Mitchell: Double-teams, trapping high screens, and forcing the ball out of his hands are musts.
- Find Bench Production: Nikola Jovic (11 points, 8 rebounds) provided a spark; more contributions like his will be crucial.
- Get Wiggins Going: They need another scoring option behind Herro.
- Defend the Three: Cleveland has been deadly from deep when they control tempo.
Expect a desperate and physical Heat team in Game 3.
Find updated playoff odds, live spreads, and expert picks at the NBA Pick Page.
FAQs About Cavaliers vs Heat Game 3
What is the Cavaliers vs Heat series score?
Cleveland leads 2-0 heading into Game 3.
Who has been Cleveland’s top performer?
Donovan Mitchell has opened the playoffs with two straight 30-point performances.
What is Miami’s key to winning Game 3?
They must start strong, contain Mitchell, and find scoring beyond Tyler Herro.
When is Cavaliers vs Heat Game 3?
Saturday afternoon in Miami at the Kaseya Center.
Where can I find NBA Playoff betting picks?
Find full playoff picks, predictions, and props at the NBA Pick Page.
