The Miami Heat are back on the road, as the team travels to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers Tuesday evening. The Heat are coming off a tough loss to the Charlotte Hornets in their last game, where Miami’s three-game win streak was snapped, 122-117.
Miami will look to get back on track, as they get set for an Eastern Conference matchup with one of the teams that may be in their way this postseason.
Player To Watch
Jimmy Butler will be the player to watch in the game against the Cavaliers. Butler, who had 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals against the Hornets, will need to come into this game attacking the glass, converting tough finishes, and making use of the painted area to create plays for his teammates and himself.
Butler needs to head into Cleveland with his most lethal mindset, ready to wreck the game on both ends for the Cavaliers, giving the Miami Heat that steady presence that they can rely on early, often, and throughout the game.
The Miami Heat will head to Ohio on Tuesday searching for a ‘bounce back’ in Cleveland. And if they are to get it, the defense will be the key for them.
Keys To The Game
- Hold The Lead– Miami had a 13-point lead in the game against the Hornets Sunday before they would blow it, allowing the Hornets to control the game late in the second half. The Heat need to get out to a lead on a team that can overwhelm you on both sides, not allow Cleveland to get going offensively, and keep their foot on the gas pedal through all four quarters to not allow Cleveland’s big men to dominate the game on defense.
- Rebound– The Heat had a total of 36 rebounds against the Hornets, allowing Charlotte to beat them there by 11 boards. The Heat need to come into this matchup against Cleveland looking to control the glass, as Cleveland has the size to win off of their rebounding prowess alone.
- Limit Turnovers– Miami had a total of 11 turnovers against the Hornets and though they still had eight fewer than Charlotte, Miami’s turnovers mightily contributed to the Hornets’ ability to come back and subsequently, then go up on them. Basically, the Heat need to limit turnovers whenever and wherever they can, connecting on passes that will lead to buckets on the other end, and not get into tough turnover-prone situations.
Prediction
This game is important for the Miami Heat as they look to gain their confidence back following a tough defeat. This is also a chance to pick up a win on another direct competitor for the Eastern Conference throne, while also setting a tone for remaining matchups between the two teams.
Coming off a tough defeat and with the Heat knowing all of this too, look for Miami to come out of Cleveland with a, 110-105, win on the back of some crucial stops.