Game preview for the Miami Heat vs the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cavaliers (13-6) @ Heat (11-6)
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 8:00 PM ET
Watch: NBATV,Sportsnet One,FS-SUN, NBA League Pass
The Miami Heat took down the second most efficient offense on Thursday night in the Oklahoma City Thunder. Saturday night, they’ll have to take on the third most efficient offense on Saturday, including LeBron James.
Tonight’s matchup will allow the Heat an opportunity to avenge their loss to the Cavs at the end of October. The Cavs behind 29 points from LeBron and 24 from Kevin Love, defeated the Heat 102-92. While the score may not reflect it, the Cavs were in total control much of the game.
The Heat will look to extend their winning streak to two games tonight. A win tonight would give the Heat an impressive week, especially after their loss to the Boston Celtics on Monday night.
LeBron James and the Cavaliers come into tonight’s game after a tough overtime loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. LeBron scored 37 points, as he led a fourth quarter surge to get the Cavs back into the game and get it to overtime. He played 45 minutes last night, so it will be interesting to see how fresh his legs will be tonight.
Matchup to Watch: LeBron James vs Hassan Whiteside
I know, I know, this is not a matchup we’ll see much at all, but when LeBron James drives to the hoop, Hassan Whiteside has to strike fear in James’ mind. If Whiteside is successful in getting LeBron to be timid when he drives, the Heat can force the Cavs into playing more iso basketball.
With Luol Deng out again tonight, the Heat will need all the help on the perimeter for their defense. with LeBron having played 45 minutes last night, Whiteside would be at an advantage in this matchup.
X-Factor: Justise Winslow
Justise Winslow is having the most important week of his young NBA career. On Thursday, he had the honor of guarding Kevin Durant. Winslow did a decent job on Durant, but will have a taller task with the more physical LeBron tonight.
Winslow has made a huge impact for the Heat defensively, but has been a work in progress offensively. On the season, Winslow is averaging 6.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 45 percent shooting. He’s posted a 7.63 PER on the season.
On Thursday, Winslow scored 2 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists in 34 minutes of play.
Justise is a talented basketball player, its only a matter of time before he figures out his role on the offensive side of the ball.
Key Stats:
Miami Heat offensive efficiency: 13th, 101.5 points per 100 possessions
Miami Heat defensive efficiency: 2nd, 95.4 points per 100 possessions
Cleveland Cavaliers offensive efficiency: 3rd, 104.9 points allowed per 100 possessions
Cleveland Cavaliers defensive efficiency: T-11th, 100.4 points allowed per 100 possessions