Miami (0-1) at Cleveland (1-0)
- When: Apr 23 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH, USA
- TV: NBA TV
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat Game 2 Preview
Spread: Cavaliers -12.5 | Total: 212.5
The Cleveland Cavaliers head into Game 2 with a massive wave of momentum after dismantling the Miami Heat 121-100 in Game 1. Cleveland’s guard trio — Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Ty Jerome — put on a clinic, combining for 85 points and breaking the game wide open in the fourth quarter.
Mitchell was locked in, slashing his way inside with ease and dominating mid-range looks. Garland and Jerome did the damage from beyond the arc, combining for 10 threes. Jerome, in particular, turned heads with 16 points in the fourth quarter alone, delivering a playoff debut performance that swung the tide decisively.
While Cleveland’s big men like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley were quieter offensively, the Cavaliers’ physicality and defensive pressure made up for any lulls. Allen controlled the paint, and Mitchell showed why he’s the leader of this team with clutch steals, hustle plays, and a little trash talk to ignite the home crowd.
Miami, meanwhile, struggled to keep up on either end of the floor. Bam Adebayo dropped 24 points and led the effort, but he didn’t get enough help. Tyler Herro was efficient with 21 points, and Davion Mitchell chipped in 18 off the bench. However, the Heat couldn’t match Cleveland’s intensity late in the game. Rookie Kel’el Ware looked overwhelmed in his postseason debut, and the Heat’s bench — outside of Mitchell — didn’t bring much to the table.
Injury-wise, the Heat remain shorthanded. Kevin Love is away for personal reasons, and they just ruled out guard Terry Rozier (ankle), removing another scoring option from a team already lacking depth.
Gambling Outlook & Prediction
With Cleveland laying 12.5 points, Bovada oddsmakers clearly expect another dominant showing. Given how Game 1 played out, it’s hard to argue. Cleveland’s defense clamped down when it mattered, and if the bench wakes up around Jerome, things could get ugly again.
The total sits at 212.5, and considering the Cavs cleared that with Miami last time despite a shaky showing from their secondary scorers, the Over holds value.
Final Score Prediction: Cavaliers 115, Heat 101
Lean: Cavaliers -12.5 | Over 212.5
Cleveland cruises to another double-digit win to go up 2-0. Expect another fast start and a lockdown second half defensively.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
