The Cleveland Cavaliers (51-10) and Miami Heat (29-31) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Cavaliers are 12-point favorites over the Heat on the spread (Cavaliers -12), with the over/under set at 222 total points. Cleveland is a -650 favorite to win outright, while Miami is +470 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Heat vs. Cavaliers predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, March 5.
Heat vs Cavaliers Prediction, Picks
Spread
My Heat vs. Cavaliers best bet is on Miami to cover the spread at +11.5, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. As always, be sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Over/Under
I'm staying away from the total in tonight's matchup.
My Pick: Heat +11.5
Heat vs Cavaliers Odds, Lines, Spread
| Heat Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+12 -110 | 222 -110o / -110u | +470 |
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-12 -110 | 222 -110o / -110u | -650 |
- Heat vs. Cavaliers spread: Cavaliers -12
- Heat vs. Cavaliers over/under: 222 total points
- Heat vs. Cavaliers moneyline: Heat +470, Cavaliers -650
- Heat vs. Cavaliers best bet: Heat +12 (-110)
Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Preview
The Eastern Conference leading Cavaliers (51-10) have been on cruise control all season and are currently on an 11-game winning streak. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley have been load managed in some recent games but are expected to be in the lineup.
The No. 7 Heat will be without two starters (Andrew Wiggins, Kel'el Ware) tonight and appear headed to the play-in for the third consecutive year. All-Star Tyler Herro (head cold) is also a game-time decision for the Heat.
On paper, this seems like an easy victory for the host Cavaliers. Yet, while it's likely too much to expect a second Heat victory vs. the Cavs this season, the margin will be single digits.
One of Erik Spoelstra's favorite mantras of Heat Culture is that they always have enough. The Cavaliers are obviously a massive step up in competition from the lowly Wizards, but he'll improvise and simplify his game plan to combat the challenges.
The anchor of that plan will be Bam Adebayo, who is now one of the undisputed leaders since the Jimmy Butler trade. In Monday's victory vs. the Wizards, Adebayo surpassed inaugural draft pick Rony Seikaly for the most double-doubles in franchise history.
Heat vs Cavaliers Best Bets
This game was definitely circled on his calendar and there's no manufactured motivation needed. Especially with Herro possibly sidelined, look for Adebayo to assert himself more on the offensive end. Meanwhile, Adebayo's switching ability on defense will be vital with so many rotation players out.
Terry Rozier is having a subpar season but is still capable of offensive bursts. Playing in his home state and getting more offensive chances, Rozier will turn the clock back for one of his Scary Terry showings.
The Cavs are mediocre at 3-point defense. Duncan Robinson and Alec Burks will take advantage of ample opportunities from beyond the arc.
Ultimately, the superb backcourt of Mitchell and Darius Garland will wear the shorthanded Heat down in the closing minutes with clutch playmaking. The Cavaliers will claw out a single digit victory against the gritty Heat.
Best Bet: Heat +12 (-110)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Heat +11.5
- Bam Adebayo to Score 30+ Points
- Bam Adebayo to Record a Double-Double
- Duncan Robinson 5+ Three-Pointers Made
Parlay Payout: +4900 in DraftKings
Cavaliers vs. Heat Betting Trends
