Analysis of Heat vs Cavaliers Game 1: Odds, Picks, and Predictions

• The Cleveland Cavaliers are hefty 12.5-point favorites in Game 1 of their Round 1 NBA Playoff series vs the Miami Heat
• Miami is the first 10-seed to advance from the play-in into the NBA Playoffs
• See my Heat vs Cavaliers Game 1 predictions, player props, and odds on April 20

After a gruelling overtime win to clinch their berth in the postseason, the Miami Heat (39-45, 41-42-1 ATS) are in Cleveland to take on the top-seeded Cavaliers (64-18, 48-33-1) in Game 1 of their opening round NBA Playoff series. The books are expecting the East’s top team to take care of business in the opener, which goes Sunday at 7pm ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, with TNT carrying the broadcast.

Heat vs Cavaliers Odds

The Heat are deep 12.5-point road underdogs in the NBA odds, including a distant +480 on the moneyline. Cleveland has extremely short -650 odds on the moneyline. The total checks in at 215.5 points, with the Over cashing in four of the last five head-to-heads.

Odds as of April 20 at FanDuel. Be sure to check out the best FanDuel promo code before placing a bet on any NBA game on Saturday.

Cleveland, which enters the playoffs with the third-best NBA Championship odds at +600, doesn’t have anyone on its injured list.

As for Miami, Kevin Love (personal) has been ruled out for Game 1. He missed both of the Heat’s play-in games.

Heat vs Cavaliers Player Props

NBA props from DraftKings Sportsbook on April 20. Download the top NBA betting apps before the NBA playoffs.

Tyler Herro has been Miami’s leading scorer through two play-in games, averaging 34 points per game on a very healthy 57.5% shooting from the field, including an 8-for-17 mark from downtown. He has his team’s highest scoring prop at 23.5 points.

Cleveland big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley share the highest rebounding prop for this matchup at 10.5, while Darius Garland leads all assists props at 6.5.

Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Picks

• Heat vs Cavaliers pick: Cavaliers -12.5 (-112)
• Heat vs Cavaliers prop bet: Herro Over 23.5 points (-115)

It’s a classic rest vs rust matchup Sunday. Miami has had to go on the road and beat the Bulls, before their 123-114 OT win over Atlanta.

In both games their defense played a huge role, limiting Chicago to a season-low in scoring with 90 points, before holding the Hawks to 43.1% shooting from the field, and limiting them to 16-for-47 from downtown, a 34% clip.

The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have been off for a week after clinching the top seed in the East, and some have been down even longer. That includes leading scorer and all-star Donovan Mitchell.

Cleveland’s leading scorer last stepped on an NBA court for competitive action on April 16, a full two weeks ago, as he sat the final five games of the year to rest an ankle injury.

Heat vs Cavaliers Statistical Matchup

It should matter a little bit, but it’s hard to mistake that this is an overwhelming advantage to a Cleveland team that is essentially running back the same core from last year’s playoff disappointment, but with major leaps and bounds as a unit.

The Cavaliers led the NBA in scoring this year, putting up 121.9 points per game, shooting 49.1% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point range.

Their only roster tweak was a biggie, picking up wing De’Andre Hunter, and he should pay dividends in this one, as he has the size and speed to harass Herro all over the court.

Cleveland also boasts a 34-7 home record, six wins better than any other team at home in conference. They’ve won the last two against the Heat, taking two of three in the regular season series.

Even though Miami is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 matchups with the Cavaliers, I like the Cavs to jump on a team coming down from an emotional play-in run, and smack them back into reality. Miami should be able to hang in early, but I don’t think they can keep up the scoring pace.

The highly anticipated matchup between the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their playoff series has fans and analysts buzzing with excitement. Both teams have had strong seasons, with the Heat finishing as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and the Cavaliers as the fifth seed.

Heading into Game 1, the odds are fairly even between the two teams, with many sportsbooks giving the Heat a slight edge due to their home-court advantage. However, the Cavaliers have proven themselves to be a tough opponent, especially with their star player LeBron James leading the charge.

In terms of picks and predictions, it’s a tough call. The Heat have a strong defensive presence, with players like Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler leading the charge. On the other hand, the Cavaliers have a potent offense, with players like James and Kevin Love capable of putting up big numbers.

One key factor to watch in Game 1 will be the battle in the paint. The Heat have a strong frontcourt, but the Cavaliers have size and strength down low that could give them an advantage. Whichever team can establish dominance in the paint will likely come out on top.

Another key factor to watch will be three-point shooting. The Heat have been one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league this season, while the Cavaliers have struggled at times from beyond the arc. If the Heat can get hot from deep, they could pull away early.

In terms of a prediction, it’s anyone’s game. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses that could sway the outcome in their favor. Ultimately, it will come down to execution and which team can make key plays down the stretch.

Overall, Game 1 between the Heat and Cavaliers is shaping up to be a thrilling matchup. With both teams hungry for a playoff victory, fans can expect a hard-fought battle that could go down to the wire. It’s sure to be a game that basketball fans won’t want to miss.