The Miami Heat are looking for a repeat of last week’s clobbering of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
What better way to ring in the new year than by penciling in a victory? The Miami Heat’s first game of 2019 comes against the 8-29 Cleveland Cavaliers.
Still holding the title of the NBA’s worst team, Cleveland’s first time hosting the Heat this season will likely be the antithesis of Miami’s last visit to Ohio.
When Miami held court with Cleveland at the Quicken Loans Arena last January, arena goers were treated to a nose-grinding, nail-biting, defense-driven game in which only LeBron James broke the 20-point mark.
Miami’s 91-89 loss that game was also marked by a notable dearth of 3s and pace. The low scoring contest included a combined nine 3s made between both squads, and the flurry of missed shots lent itself to neither team shooting above 50 percent from the floor.
That game was indicative of what fans have come to expect from Heat-Cavs games. With James, and at the time Dwyane Wade present, the Heat came out swinging with a whole lot to prove against a pair of legends.
Any expectations of a close game this time around are outright foolish. Miami put Cleveland to rest in their most recent meeting, and it’d be a safe bet to say the same will happen tonight.
Still, while this game is unlikely to go down as a regular season classic, there is still plenty to watch for.
Homecoming?
Dion Waiters, still anxiously awaiting his return from ankle surgery is listed as questionable. Though Miami is known to play things safe, hence the Philadelphia-native missing over a year of time for rehabilitation, reintroducing him against the Cavs would be a fitting start to his 2019 season.
Per Heat: Dion Waiters (ankle) will travel with the team today to Cleveland and is listed as questionable to play tomorrow night vs the Cavs.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) January 1, 2019
It will be Waiters' first trip since last January's ankle surgery. Certainly looks like his 2018-19 debut is imminent.
The Cavs are the second slowest team in the Association, lapping only the intentionally lethargic Memphis Grizzlies. Giving Waiters the chance to get some reps in against a slower team, especially if partakes in some zone defense showings, would be ideal for getting him back to game speed.
And, for the nostalgic types, Waiters returning on Wednesday would bring his NBA career full circle as he would face the team that drafted him in 2012.
Despite playing for Cleveland, Waiters never reached the playoffs with the team, having been traded midway through 2015.
It’s doubtful that anyone at the Q will be rocking a classic, Waiters No. 3 Cleveland jersey, but gracing the floor in Ohio again might give Waiters just enough juice to help keep Miami from slouching to Cleveland.
King Cedi
When James left Cleveland with him went the team’s confidence. Now led by a questionable mix of young talent and veteran check cashers, Cleveland is receptive to crowning a new leader in the King’s vacancy.
At least one person is lobbying for Jordan Clarkson to succeed the throne (hint, it’s himself). He’s been Cleveland’s most consistent offensive power this season, recording 17.1 points a game.
However, a quieter, but ardent crowd is working in favor of Cedi Osman’s rise to power. The second-year Turkish forward had won James heart before he left Cleveland—remember when James hit that game-winner over Minnesota last season? Who did he hug first?—and his growing skill set should entice followers by the day.
Against Miami in December, Osman had just 12 points on 38 percent shooting. But he channeled every ounce of his former King that he could as he tried to score any and every way possible.
Sometimes that meant attacking Hassan Whiteside head on, while other times he strolled into a triple. At 23 years young, Osman has plenty more developing to do, but sleeping on his rise to prominence should not be on Miami’s to do list.
The Heat tip-off against the Cavaliers at 7pm ET.