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The NBA regular season continues on Monday. The Miami Heat will travel to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Heat-Cavaliers prediction and pick.
These two teams have been having very similar seasons. The Miami Heat are 16-11 and are coming off impressive back to back wins. While the Cavaliers are 16-12 and have managed to win their last three games. This should be a competitive match up between two tough teams.
Here are the odds for the Heat-Cavaliers Monday night NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Heat-Cavaliers Odds
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Miami Heat: +5.5 (-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers: -5.5 (-110)
Over: 208 (-110)
Under: 208 (-110)
Why The Heat Could Cover The Spread
The Miami Heat have been having a very solid season. Through their first 27 games they have managed to win 16 games. The Heat have faced tough competition throughout the season, but that hasn't slowed them down. They are coming off a 26 point victory over the Chicago Bulls. This is arguably their most impressive win of the season. If the Heat can carry that momentum into another tough match up they could easily end up winning this game. Expect Miami to come out aggressive and trying to send a message to this Cavs team.
In their win over the Bulls, the Heat dominated across all statistics. Miami took 10 more shots than Chicago and shot the ball over 12% more efficiently. This alone was likely enough to win Miami the game, but their dominance doesn't stop there. The Heat managed to grab 16 more rebounds than the Bulls. Additionally, as a team they had 15 more assists. This quality performance from the Heat would have been nearly impossible for any team to stop. If Miami can continue to play basketball at that high of a level it will be tough for any opponent to keep up with them. They will look to bring that same level of play into a tough match up on Monday.
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One of the leaders of this Heat team is Kyle Lowry. While Jimmy Butler is the true leader in Miami, in his absence Lowry has emerged as a suitable replacement. Kyle Lowry has been in the NBA for a very long time, and the Miami Heat have definitely benefited from his veteran presence. Lowry scored 16 points and dished out 14 assists in only 29 minutes against Chicago. Lowry is efficient and dominant and will look to continue playing at a high level on Monday. If Lowry can maintain his level of play then the Heat could easily steal this game.
Why The Cavaliers Could Cover The Spread
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the more surprising stories of this season. Through their first 28 games they have managed to win 16. The Cavs have by no means faced easy competition, which makes their record even more impressive. Cleveland is coming off a 14 point victory over the Sacramento Kings. The Cavs will look to carry that momentum into a tough match up on Monday. This Cleveland team has shown that they can rise to the occasion and will look to do so again in this game.
The statistics of the Cavs last game indicate that the final score should have been closer than it actually was. The two teams were nearly dead even on field goal attempts and percentages. The Kings actually outscored the Cavs with points in the paint. However, Cleveland was able to pull ahead due to three pointers and free throws. The Cavs made 5 more threes, and 9 more free throws than the Kings. While rebounding was nearly even, the Cavs had 8 more assists than the Kings. Cleveland had a solid all around performance against Sacramento, and they will look to bring that same energy into another tough match up.
Leading the way for the Cavaliers is Jarrett Allen. Allen has quickly become one of the best big men in the league. In their win over the Kings he had 19 points and 11 rebounds. This type of stat line is very typical from Allen. On the season he is averaging over 17 points and 11 rebounds a game. He provides the Cavs with a strong presence in the paint, and he has been a big part of all of their wins. If Allen can continue to dominate down low then the Cavs should be able to win this game.
Final Heat-Cavaliers Prediction & Pick
This is kind of a tough decision. The line is pretty wide for this one and the game could easily end up being pretty close. The Miami Heat have been impressive without Jimmy Butler. This team has shown that they have a lot of heart and can compete against tough opponents. However, the Cavaliers have been arguably even more impressive. Cleveland has also taken down some of the league's best, and they have a healthy roster. Cleveland has the edge in this game and they should be your pick. Pick the Cavaliers to win and cover.
FINAL HEAT-CAVALIERS PICK: Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5 (-110)
FINAL HEAT-CAVALIERS SCORE PREDICTION: Cavaliers 117 – Heat 108
