Heat vs Cavaliers Picks and Prediction – 4/23/2025

NBA TV will feature a Wednesday night playoff battle between the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers from Rocket Arena. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The eighth-seeded Heat rank 11th in the league in defensive efficiency and are allowing 110 points per contest. In the series opener, Miami was outscored by 13 points during the fourth quarter of a 121-100 road loss.

Miami F/C Bam Adebayo tallied a team-high 24 points (10-22 FG), nine rebounds, and two steals. Tyler Herro scored 21 points on 7-for-18 shooting and finished with a minus 18 rating. Davion Mitchell added 20 points and nine assists off the Heat bench. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers won 34 of 41 home games during the regular season and are looking to reach the conference finals for the first time since LeBron James bolted for Miami. The top-seeded Cavaliers led the league in offensive efficiency and are averaging 121.9 points per game. During Sunday’s home victory, Cleveland connected on 18-of-43 from long range and shot 51 percent overall.

All-Star G Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 30 points (11-19 FG), five rebounds, and four assists. Ty Jerome contributed 28 points (10-15 FG) and five rebounds in just 26 minutes off the Cleveland bench. Darius Garland added 27 points and five assists for the Cavaliers. 

Miami F Kevin Love (personal) did not play during Sunday’s loss and his status for the game is uncertain. The Heat lost the turnover battle in Game One by a 14-7 margin and have to do a better job to stay competitive on the road. Look for Miami to put forth a spirited effort and cover on the road. Final Score Prediction, Cleveland Cavaliers win 110-103.