The Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0) and Miami Heat (0-2) will face off in Game 3 of their first round NBA Playoff series this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Cavaliers are 5.5-point favorites over the Heat on the spread (Cavaliers -5.5), with the over/under set at 212 total points. Cleveland is a -220 favorite to win outright, while Miami is +180 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Cavaliers vs. Heat predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, April 26.
Cavaliers vs Heat Prediction for NBA Playoffs Game 3
My Heat vs. Cavaliers Game 3 best bet is on Miami Moneyline, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Heat Moneyline (+180)
Cavaliers vs Heat Odds, Picks for Saturday, April 26
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 212 -110o / -110u | -220 |
| Heat Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 212 -110o / -110u | +180 |
- Cavaliers vs. Heat spread: Cavaliers -5.5
- Cavaliers vs. Heat over/under: 212 total points
- Cavaliers vs. Heat moneyline: Cavaliers -220, Heat +180
- Cavaliers vs. Heat best bet:Heat ML (+180)
Cavaliers vs Heat Preview for NBA Playoffs Game 3
I pay a lot of attention to the second halves of Game 2s. Typically, that’s when a series starts to turn. It doesn’t have to turn enough to change the outcome, but it does shift the series.
In the second half of Game 2 in this series, the Heat won by a score of 61-53. They were able to get the game down to a single possession before the Cavaliers eventually pulled away.
Since 2003, 8-seeds that are down 0-2 but covered Game 2 are 7-6 SU and 9-4 ATS. Teams that covered in that game are 7-2 SU.
Miami is the exact kind of team that should exceed in this spot. Cleveland’s defense is their weak-point, and Miami was able to get its offense going in the second half of Game 2.
I make the line for today's Game 3 Heat +4.6, giving us enough value on the spread, but I’d rather play the moneyline. I think the Heat sneak out a win this afternoon, likely their only win of the series.
Cavaliers vs Heat Game 3 Betting Predictions
Haywood Highsmith Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (+160)
The Cavaliers’ game plan was to help off shooters to crowd the lane for Tyler Herro, and Haywood Highsmith made them pay in the last game. That’s the kind of adjustment the Cavs will probably run back after he made 5-of-6, “prove that you can do it again.” He can at least hit two on volume.
Kel’el Ware Under 6.5 Rebounds (-115)
Kel'el Ware is actually playing out on the perimeter on both sides quite often, on switches or crossmatches, or spacing the floor. He has seven total rebounds through the first two games of this series.
Cavaliers vs Heat Best Bet for Game 3
- Heat Moneyline (+180)
Cavaliers vs Heat Game 3 Parlay Picks
- Haywood Highsmith Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
- Kel’el Ware Under 6.5 Rebounds
- Heat ML
Parlay Payout: +1075
Heat vs. Cavaliers Betting Trends
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