Cleveland Cavaliers Kick Off Playoffs Against Miami Heat
Cavaliers, East Leaders, Face Play-In Warriors in Round 1
The Cleveland Cavaliers, leaders of the Eastern Conference, commence their 2025 playoff journey on Sunday, taking on the Miami Heat, who clinched their postseason spot via the Play-In tournament.
Cavaliers: Offense on Fire, Injury-Free
The Cavaliers concluded the regular season with an impressive 64-18 record, topping the league in points per game (123.1), offensive rating (122.9), and three-point percentage (39.5%). Their dynamic offense is spearheaded by
- Donovan Mitchell (24.3 PPG)
- Darius Garland (21.2 PPG, 6.7 APG)
- Evan Mobley (18.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG)
erek Jerome
Furthermore, they arrive without any injuries, boasting a 14-1 record in their last 15 games.
Heat: Inconsistencies and Injuries
The Heat qualified for the playoffs with a 37-45 record, overcoming the Hawks in the Play-In. Without Jimmy Butler, who was traded to the Golden State Warriors in February, the Heat have relied on Tyler Herro, who’s averaging 23.9 points and 5.5 assists per game.
Bam Adebayo contributes defensively and on the glass, while rookie Kel’el Ware has shown promising flashes. However, the Heat have lost 7 of their last 10 games, showcasing inconsistencies heading into the playoffs.
What to Expect
The Cavaliers will look to dictate the pace, using their depth and offensive prowess to overwhelm the Heat. Miami will need a stellar performance from Tyler Herro and a collective defensive effort to stay competitive.
The Cavalier’s offense is just too much for many teams,” said ESPN analyst Mark Jackson.
Looking Ahead
Win or lose, the first game of this series is set to be an entertaining clash between two distinct playing styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Game 1 of Cavaliers vs Heat?
The game will take place at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cavaliers.
What time does Game 1 start?
Game 1 will tip off at 5:00 PM CT.
Did You Know?
The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was in the 2014 NBA Finals, which the Cavaliers won in six games.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on Cleveland’s bench production. If they continue to outscore their opponents’ reserves, they’ll be tough to beat.
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