Sports

Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers odds, picks and predictions

Kevin Erickson

Staff Writer

The Miami Heat (37-31) wrap up a 4-game road trip on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers (43-25). Tip-off at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Let's analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Heat vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Tied 1-1; Road team has won and covered each of the 1st 2 meetings, with the Cavaliers winning 111-99 in Miami in the most recent matchup Dec. 8 as a 1.5-point favorite as the Under (223.5) cashed

The Heat have won 2 of the 1st 3 games on the road trips, but it is just 1-2 against the spread (ATS), while going only 2-7 ATS in the past 9 games in March. The Under has cashed in 7 in a row for Miami, while going 18-4 across the past 22 contests.

The Cavaliers topped the Indiana Pacers on the road 108-103 as a 7-point underdog on Monday. The Cavs have cashed in 3 of the past 4 outings, while the Under and Over have alternated in the past 4 contests.

While the win in Indiana was good news, Cleveland received more bad news. Leading scorer Donovan Mitchell suffered a broken nose in Saturday's game in Houston. He took friendly fire from Tristan Thompson as the players were jockeying for a rebound. Mitchell had a procedure to realign the area, and he'll be out until at least late March or early April, as he won't even be re-evaluated for 1 week.

Heat at Cavaliers odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 11:49 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Heat +108 (bet $100 to win $108) | Cavaliers -126 (bet $126 to win $100)
Against the spread: Heat +2 (-110) | Cavaliers -2 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 201.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Heat at Cavaliers key injuries

Heat

F Jimmy Butler (foot) questionable
F Nikola Jovic (hamstring) questionable
F Duncan Robinson (back) out

Cavaliers

G Donovan Mitchell (nose) out
C Evan Mobley (ankle) out
G Max Strus (knee) out
F Dean Wade (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Heat at Cavaliers picks and predictions

Prediction

Heat 102, Cavaliers 96

Moneyline

The HEAT (+108) are a strong play on the road as short 'dogs, but be careful.

If Butler is cleared to play, go a little more aggressively. If Jimmy Buckets sits, still play Miami, but go a little lighter.

Remember, the road team has won both meetings so far this season, and whatever happens with Butler's status, the Cavs are without their leading scorer and 2 other starters.

Against the spread

If you like the HEAT +2 (-110), they're a better play on the moneyline, unless you totally believe the Cavaliers -2 (-110) are going to win, but only by 1 or 2 points.

If you like Miami, it's a much better value on the moneyline.

Over/Under

UNDER 201.5 (-110) is a low number, but it's a strong play.

Again, watch the status for Butler. If he is unable to go, then playing the Under a little more aggressively is a sound betting strategy. Either way, the Cavs will be without Mitchell, who leads the team with 27.4 PPG. The Under has been on fire for Miami lately, and the Under is 5-0 in the past 5 games the Cavs have played without Spida on the floor.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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