The Miami Heat host the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night at Kaseya Center and have a chance to earn a statement win against one of the best teams in the conference.
Jimmy Butler will continue to serve his indefinite suspension as the Heat work the market to find a suitable trade before the Feb. 6 deadline. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, arrive in Miami having lost three of their last four games.
Here’s what to know for Wednesday night’s tilt.
How to watch Heat vs Cavaliers
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Location: Kaseya Center, Miami
TV: FanDuel Sports Network
Stream: NBA League Pass
Key stats
The Cavs ranks first in offensive rating (121.1), 11th in defensive rating (111.8) and play at the seventh-fastest pace in the league. They rank first in 3-point shooting percentage (39.5) and second in makes per game (16.2). The Heat will need to limit Cleveland’s 3-point shooting volume.
The Heat are 16th in offensive rating (111.9), ninth in defensive rating (111.5) and are 27th in pace. Miami is tied for sixth at 14.2 made 3s per game.
Key injuries
For the Heat, Butler is out (suspension), as well as Josh Richardson (heel) and Dru Smith (Achilles surgery). Two-way guard Isaiah Stevens is away on G League assignment. Tyler Herro (groin) and Duncan Robinson (head illness) are available.
The big one for the Cavaliers is Darius Garland, who is being given the night off for rest purposes. Caris LeVert (wrist), Isaac Okoro (shoulder) and Dean Wade (knee) are also out. Reserve sharp-shooter Sam Merrill is questionable with an illness.
Key matchup
It starts with limiting Cleveland’s 3-point shooting. Garland’s absence will help, but Miami will have its hands full with Donovan Mitchell (9.2 attempts per game) and Max Strus (5.4). If Haywood Highsmith remains in the starting lineup, expect him to give chase to Mitchell most of the night.
The Cavs are also a great pick-and-roll team. Jarrett Allen has been dominant in the paint, averaging 1.32 points per possession as a roll man. Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware will be responsible for trying to limit the two-man game between Mitchell and Allen.
Something else to watch for: How much zone can the Heat get away with, and when? Cleveland’s outside shooting has the potential to bust Miami’s zone, but I expect coach Erik Spoelstra to try it at times to throw off Cleveland’s offense.
Watch to see who starts alongside Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Allen. Two of Cleveland’s usual starters and a pair of key reserves are out.
Betting
The Cavaliers are 7-point favorites over the Heat.