The Cavs are shorthanded tonight.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a gauntlet of injuries as they look to capture a win on the road versus the Miami Heat.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (37-9) at Miami Heat (23-22)
Where: Kaseya Center – Miami, FL
When: 7:30pm EST
TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass
Line: Cavs -7
Expected Cavs starting lineup: Ty Jerome, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Cavs injury report from yesterday: Darius Garland – OUT (rest), Isaac Okoro – OUT (shoulder), Caris LeVert – OUT (right wrist), Sam Merrill – QUESTIONABLE (illness), JT Thor – OUT (G League), Luke Travers – OUT (G League)
Expected Heat starting lineup: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith, Bam Adebayo, Ke’lel Ware
Heat injury report: Jimmy Butler – OUT (suspension), Josh Richardson – OUT (heel), Dru Smith – OUT (achilles), Isaiah Stevens – OUT (G League)
What to watch for
The Heat are going through… some things. Jimmy Butler’s feud with the front office has been impossible to ignore but now that he’s indefinitely suspended — maybe the Heat can get back to playing basketball.
Tyler Herro has been balling all year. He’s forming a strong case to be on the NBA All-Star team (reserves announced tomorrow) by averaging 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. His scoring has given Miami a chance in most games.
Rookie Ke’lel Ware is another player to watch for. He’s broken out in recent weeks as a versatile offensive threat. The seven-footer is showcasing athleticism and hitting 4-of-4 three-point attempts in his most recent game.
As for Cleveland, this wave of injuries could lead to some interesting rotations. Who steps up to fill Darius Garland’s shoes? How thin can the frontcourt depth get? Do we see Emoni Bates or Jaylon Tyson get an opportunity? There’s a chance this game becomes a testing ground for the players who usually don’t see the floor for Cleveland.
You can watch the game with Tony Pesta and Jackson Flickinger LIVE on Playback. The stream begins at 7:30. We hope to see you there!
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