What To Expect In Third Miami Heat-Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup

Cleveland seeks its third win in four games with a victory over Miami tonight.

Two nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers concluded a three-game road trip with a 108-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Tonight, the Wine and Gold will look for their 44th win of the season when they host the Miami Heat.

Here are four things to expect in the third matchup between these two teams this regular season.

1. An All-Star Out for Both Teams

Yesterday, the Cavaliers announced that All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell would be re-evaluated in approximately one week after undergoing a procedure for a nasal fracture.

For the Heat, according to the NBA’s 5:30 p.m. ET Injury Report, All-Star big man Bam Adebayo will be out due to a lower back contusion. He has yet to play against the Wine and Gold this season.

2. Allen’s Third Time’s the Charm

Cleveland center Jarrett Allen is due for a big game against Miami.

In two meetings against the Heat so far this season, the 25-year-old has averaged 5.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, while shooting just 36.4% from the field. For comparison, Allen is averaging overall marks of 16.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 62.6% from the field.

Mar 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (25) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse / © Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

3. A Big Game from Butler

On the other side, Heat forward Jimmy Butler is due for a big game against the Cavaliers.

In two meetings against the Wine and Gold, the six-time All-Star is averaging just 13.0 points per game. For comparison, Butler is averaging an overall mark of 21.4 points per game so far this season.

4. Tough Defense on Both Sides

Cleveland and Miami have two of the premier defenses in the NBA.

Both the Cavaliers (109.5, sixth) and Heat (109.3, fourth) rank top-six in the league in opponent points per game.