NBA Playoffs: The Miami Heat should want to face Cleveland

With the playoffs clinched, why wouldn’t the Miami Heat want Cleveland in the first round?

The Miami Heat just clinched a spot in the 2018 NBA Playoffs. With the distance between the eighth and ninth place in the Eastern Conference, it was just a matter of time before the Heat secured their spot. All that’s left to decide now is playoff match-ups.

After the 101-98 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Miami moved their way into sixth in the East. The race is so close right now that the Heat are actually tied with the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks, but tiebreakers against both teams gives Miami the advantage.

The question now is what would be the best match-up for the Heat in the first round.

For better or for worse, the Heat naturally plays to the level of their competition; this is something has been displayed in the last handful of games. So whatever team the Heat are paired with, should make for a great series.

Why not Cleveland?

Many have been looking at the Heat’s chances against the Toronto Raptors or the Boston Celtics, but what about the Cavaliers?

When it comes to the playoffs, no one looks forward to playing LeBron James. The Heat, who have been on the better end of that situation, know from first-hand experience.

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But this isn’t your typical James-led team. Just like this isn’t your typical Miami Heat team. Who would have predicted that the Cavaliers would dump half of their roster at the trade deadline, or that Dwyane Wade would be wearing a Miami jersey right now?

This is a season that’s been atypical compared to prior seasons. As you look at the Cavaliers and Heat games this season, Cleveland came out on top two games to one. But, thanks to the dominant performance in their last matchup, the Heat have outscored the Cavaliers by six points.

Of course, we can only take this with a grain of salt.

In Miami’s last win over the them, they were without their two big men, Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo. With fingers crossed they are currently healthy and will continue to be once the playoffs start.

But it’s Kelly Olynyk that makes an impact against Cleveland. While matched up with Kevin Love, Olynyk’s length takes away a lot of Love’s game. Offensively, Olynyk has the advantage against the slower center. But the Heat can dominate with Adebayo and Whiteside when it’s time for the big muscle as well.

Balance could be key

The Heat’s balanced scoring will be a problem, especially in a seven-game series. Miami normally spreads the ball well. You won’t see many games with one player in the high twenties, but you will see around five players in double digits. A handful of others will be knocking on the door.

You can game plan all you want, but it’s always up in the air in which Heat player will make the biggest impact that night.

Cleveland is vulnerable on defense and there’s no way around it. They weren’t great at defending before the trade deadline and afterward there just hasn’t been enough time for them to be running smoothly.

The LeBron James effect

James said it himself: he would be a tough out in the first round no matter who he was playing for. This is coming from the man who has been to the last seven NBA Finals.

What makes the Heat think they can give James a first round exit? To put it simply: defense. The Heat have flustered James all season. James Johnson seems to always be foaming at the mouth whenever given a chance to guard No. 23.

When it comes to points, James is going to get his. But when it comes to running the offense, Miami is able to fluster him. They force James to make quicker decisions than he wants to, then take away his passing lanes.

It worked perfectly in their March match-up. The Heat forced James to throw the ball away six times. There was no offense for the Cavaliers that day. Miami held Cleveland to just 79 points.

Next: Miami Heat secure playoff spot, but what are their first round chances?

So when it comes to a seven-game series against Cleveland, it will ultimately be tough. Any match-up in the playoffs would be. Yet, the Heat should like their chances against the reigning Eastern Conference Champs.