Getting swept by the Knicks in the Conference Finals last season has left a big scar on the Cleveland Cavaliers and their 6-6 SU start to the season proves exactly that. A huge dark cloud has been hanging above this team’s head, culminating with that embarrassing defeat to Charlotte a couple of games ago. The Cavs were able to snap out of it and get back to .500 with an important win over the Knicks at MSG, but does one win solve all the early season issues they’ve been having? Next up they have the Miami Heat in the Emirates NBA Cup, a team that’s had its fair share of issues coming out the gate.
Miami capped off a 5-game West coast road trip with an important win over the Utah Jazz to finish it off with a 3-2 record. Once again it was Giannis Antetokounmpo carrying the load offensively scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Similarly to the Cavaliers, the Heat have struggled for consistency to start the year. They’re only 1-3 SU/ATS in four home games, while giving up a staggering 124.3 ppg which is the 2nd highest mark in the NBA. On top of that they’ve listed Klay Thompson, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Pelle Larsson on the injury list as day-to-day, so we’re not even sure who will suit up to play here.
Cleveland also has a pair of important absentees in Evan Mobley and Sam Merrill, both teams are pretty banged up here. Despite all their mishaps to start the year, I still haven’t given up hope on the Cavaliers. Miami had a long two weeks of travel and games on the West coast; the accumulated fatigue might hurt them down the stretch if this is a close game. I’ll side with Cleveland here.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat Predictions: Cavaliers +2.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
