The Miami Heat (12-9) welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers (12-9) to Kaseya Center Friday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'lines around the Cavaliers vs. Heat odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: Heat lead 1-0
The Heat beat the Toronto Raptors on the road 112-103 Wednesday, covering as a 3.5-point underdog. They are just 4-5 over their last 9 games yet are 5-4 against the spread (ATS) in that span. Miami is 10-11 ATS on the season and 2-6 ATS at home (tied for the 3rd-worst home covering rate in the league). It is led by C Bam Adebayo, who is averaging 22.3 points per game but will miss the game with a hip injury.
The Cavaliers beat Orlando Magic 121-111 Wednesday, covering as a 4.5-point home favorite. They are 4-1 straight up over their last 5 games yet just 2-3 ATS over that span. The Cavaliers are 4-4-1 ATS on the road and 8-13 ATS on the season. They lost the 1st battle of these two teams at home 129-96 on Nov. 22. Cleveland is led by G Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 27.6 PPG.