Well, this is it. Win, or the season is over.
The Miami Heat will enter Monday night’s Game 4 down 0-3 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a competitive first two games of the series, Game 3 was a blowout.
After the Heat got out to a quick start, the Cavaliers went on a run, took the lead, and never looked back as they led by as many as 40 points. Miami pulled its starters with roughly five minutes left in Saturday afternoon’s game.
The Heat practiced Sunday ahead of this pivotal Game 4. No team has ever come back from down 0-3 to win a playoff series, but that’s not the point. The Heat are motivated to come out and give a better effort on Monday. While a first-round loss is disappointing, these games also provide a valuable measuring stick against the East’s best team.
A win would do more than extend the series. It would also prove that the Heat, even at this crossroads, can hang.
Here’s what to know for Monday night’s tilt.
How to watch Heat vs Cavaliers
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Location: Kaseya Center, Miami
TV: TNT, Max, TruTV, FanDuel Sports Network
Stream: Fubo, FanDuel Sports Network, Max
Notable injuries
For the Heat, Terry Rozier (left ankle sprain) and Kevin Love (personal reasons) are out. Kyle Anderson is questionable with a head illness.
For the Cavaliers, Darius Garland (left toe sprain) is listed as questionable.
Projected starting lineups
Heat
PG: Davion Mitchell
SG: Tyler Herro
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Bam Adebayo
C: Kel’el Ware
Cavaliers
PG: Donovan Mitchell
SG: Sam Merrill
SF: Max Strus
PF: Evan Mobley
C: Jarrett Allen
Betting
The Heat are 8.5-point underdogs at home.