Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat odds, picks and predictions

Nathan Beighle | Staff Writer

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.

Cavaliers at Heat odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:46 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Heat +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -1.5 (-115) | Heat +1.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Cavaliers at Heat key injuries

Cavaliers

G Caris LeVert (knee) out
F Evan Mobley (knee) questionable

Heat

C Bam Adebayo (hip) out
G Tyler Herro (ankle) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Cavaliers at Heat picks and predictions

Prediction

Cavaliers 114, Heat 109

Moneyline

BET CAVALIERS (-135).

The Heat shot 57% from deep while the Cavaliers had 19 turnovers in the 1st battle between these 2 teams. That won't repeat itself Friday evening. The Heat will be without their 2 leading scorers, and on top of that, they haven't been as good defensive as expected, ranking 15th in defensive rating.

The Heat are 2-4 straight up over their last 6 and 1-2 at home in that span. The Cavaliers have won 2 straight and 4 of their last 5. They have won 3 straight on the road. Take CAVALIERS (-135) despite the juice.

Against the spread

PASS.

The Cavaliers moneyline is the better play here.

Over/Under

BET OVER 219.5 (-110).

As noted, the Heat's defense has lapsed this season, and the absence of Adebayo will be important for their defense. Miami has allowed 130-plus points in 3 of its last 4 games. It is 3-1 O/U in those games and 10-11 O/U on the season.

The Cavaliers have scored 110 or more in 3 of their last 4 and are 11-10 O/U on the season. They have gone Over in 5 of their last 9 games and have Mitchell healthy, unlike in their first matchup. Take OVER 219.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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