The NBA is back in action at the start of the year as the Miami Heat will clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Miami will head into this game after a 113-104 home loss to Minnesota Sunday night in their last game. While on the other side, Cleveland lost 111-108 away to Atlanta on Saturday night.
Miami Heat Form
The Heat suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Timberwolves. Also, Miami is placed on the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference. It seems that they just can’t get consistency this season. Yet, Dwayne Wade still showed some good performances as he scored 21 points in the defeat against the Timberwolves.
On the offensive side of the game, the Heat have an average record of 106.7 points per game. Therefore this achievement is good enough only for the 25th spot in the league in scoring. Furthermore, they have47.6 boards per game combined with 23 assists per night.
On scoring defence, Miami is one of the better teams this season. The Heat allows an average of 106.1 points per game. Therefore, this solid record placed them on the 7th spot in the league in scoring defence.
Cleveland Cavaliers Form
The Cavaliers are heading into this game in a poor form. Moreover, they have suffered 8 defeats in a row. Also, during this bad run, they were beaten by Atlanta – one of the worst teams in the NBA this season.
The Cavaliers still have a chance for a playoff spot. However, they are 9.5 behind Detroit for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. It will be very difficult for them to get into the postseason games considering this gap and their bad form.
On the offensive side of the game, the Cavaliers have an average of 102.3 points per game. Therefore, this record is enough for the 28th spot in the league in scoring. Also, this team has an average of 43.6 boards per game combined with 19.9 assists per game.
On scoring defence, they are placed on the 19th spot in the league as they concede an average of 111.3 points per game.
Kevin Love is their main man as his average stands at 19 points and 13,5 rebounds per game
Prediction
This Cleveland team is going through a very bad period. Moreover, they do not show signs that they will turn the tide. On the other side, the Heat played an average game against the Timberwolves. That is why I think that they will try to get back to winning ways in this game. And they have a very good chance against an opponent that is in crisis.
Take Miami in this one.
My Free Pick & Prediction for Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on 1/2/2019
is: Take the Miami Heat -245 (money line)
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