Ideal: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers would still be a tough opponent, but the Cavs are also the most favorable matchup for the Heat. Their most experienced playoff veterans are Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus. Everyone else in the rotation has very little playoff experience.
The Cavs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year by the Knicks. Their two bigs looked lost on the court and were outplayed by New York’s frontcourt. Donovan Mitchell struggled from the field, shooting only 43 percent from the field in the series.
Mitchell is too talented of a player to struggle in back-to-back postseasons. The Heat might have trouble stopping Mitchell, but their experience and coaching would allow them to contain everyone else.
The Heat defeated the Cavs sans Mitchell in their most recent game, thanks to the heroic shooting of Terry Rozier. Based on that game, this would be a very competitive series, but Miami can rely on their experience to push them forward.