Predictions, Player Props & Odds for Game 2 between Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers

• The Cavs are 12-point favorites over the Heat in Game 2 of their 1st Round Playoff series on Wednesday
• Cleveland took the series opener 121-100, fuelled by 27+ points from three different players
• See my Heat vs Cavaliers Predictions and Props for Game 2, plus the odds below

Game 1 of the Heat versus Cavaliers 1st Round series went exactly as you’d expect the 8 vs 1 matchup to go in the NBA playoff bracket. Online sportsbooks expect a similar result in Game 2, pegging Cleveland as double-digit home chalk. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:40pm ET inside the Rocket Arena, in Cleveland, OH, with NBA TV providing the broadcast coverage.

Heat vs Cavaliers Predictions

• Cleveland Cavaliers Over 112.5 Points (-104 at FanDuel)

My prediction is that for the second straight game, Miami struggles to get stops. Cleveland splashed 121 points in Game 1, making 51% of their shots, and 42% of their threes. The Cavs got 30 points from Donovan Mitchell, while Darius Garland and Ty Jerome poured in 27 and 28 points respectively.

Cleveland’s ability to knock down threes reminded us that this was the number one team in the league from behind the arc from October to March. If you’re Heat backer it must have been demoralizing, as 24 of the Cavs 43 three-point attempts were wide open.

The slashing drives of Mitchell and Garland force extra help from a second Miami defender, which inevitable leaves a man wide open. Cleveland shot an NBA-best 42% on open threes this season, and picked up right where they left off in Game 1 of the playoffs.

Cavaliers Wide-Open Threes Per Game This season

If you’re Miami and you try to overcompensate and live out on the perimeter, you’re opening yourself up to the Cavs interior size. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen can easily beat you inside, which is why Cleveland is a nightmare to play against.

The Cavs led the NBA in offensive rating this season, which is one the biggest reasons they’re a top-three NBA Championship odds contender. I’m betting the offense will be humming again in Game 2, helping them easily surpass 112.5 points.

Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Odds

The best price we can get on the Cavs team total over 112.5 points is -104 at FanDuel. Cleveland is favored by 12 points and -700 on the moneyline in Game 2, while the total sits at 211.5.

Per the NBA public betting trends, 62.7% of Cavaliers games went over the total during the regular season, which was the highest percentage of any team.

Odds as of April 22 at DraftKings and FanDuel. See the DraftKings promo code details before signing up.

Heat vs Cavaliers Player Props

NBA props from DraftKings Sportsbook on April 22. Download the top NBA betting apps before the NBA playoffs.

• Heat vs Cavaliers Player Props Bet: Darius Garland Over 6.5 Assists (+120 at DraftKings)

As mentioned, one of the ways Cleveland creates so many open threes is the drive and kick ability of Garland. His lightning quick speed forces extra help, setting the Cavs up for easy buckets.

Garland only produced 5 assists in Game 1, but I expect that number to climb in Game 2. You could bet over 5.5 assists at -140 odds, or you could target the alt line of 6.5 assists at +120 odds. Garland averaged 7.5 assists in the regular season versus the Heat, and exceeded 6.5 dimes in seven of his final 10 regular season starts.

The Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off in Game 2 of their playoff series, and there are plenty of predictions, player props, and odds to consider for this highly anticipated matchup.

The Cavaliers took Game 1 with a dominant performance, led by LeBron James who finished with a triple-double. However, the Heat are a resilient team and will be looking to bounce back in Game 2.

One of the key player props to watch for is the performance of LeBron James. The odds are likely in his favor to have another stellar game, but the Heat will be looking to contain him and force other players to step up. Look for James to continue his strong play, but the Heat may adjust their defensive strategy to try and limit his impact.

Another player prop to keep an eye on is Dwyane Wade for the Heat. Wade has been a key player for Miami throughout the playoffs, and he will need to have a big game in order for the Heat to even the series. Look for Wade to be aggressive on offense and look to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

In terms of predictions, the odds may favor the Cavaliers after their Game 1 victory. However, the Heat have shown that they are a resilient team and have the ability to bounce back from tough losses. Look for Miami to come out with a sense of urgency in Game 2 and make adjustments to try and even the series.

Overall, Game 2 between the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers is shaping up to be an exciting matchup with plenty of player props and odds to consider. Keep an eye on key players like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, as well as how each team adjusts their game plan from Game 1. It should be a competitive game with plenty of drama and excitement for fans to enjoy.