The Cleveland Cavaliers aim to extend their series lead to 2-0 against the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their first-round playoff matchup tonight at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBA TV and FanDuel Sports Network Cleveland. What’s the best bet in tonight’s Heat vs. Cavs Game 2 matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers
7:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
TV: NBA TV
Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, the Cavs are 12-point home favorites versus the Heat. The total, meanwhile, sits at 212 points.
Heat vs. Cavs Game 2 Public Betting: Bettors Taking Points
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 51% of public bettors are currently backing the Heat when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Game 1 Recap
In Game 1, the Cavaliers secured a 121-100 victory, propelled by a combined 85 points from Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Ty Jerome. While the Heat trailed by only eight points midway through the fourth quarter, Jerome’s late-game surge helped Cleveland pull away.
Key Storylines for Game 2
Cavaliers’ Depth Advantage: Cleveland’s backcourt trio dominated in Game 1. Should players like Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro elevate their performance, the Cavaliers could further assert their dominance.
Heat’s Adjustments: Miami leaned heavily on Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, who combined for half of the team’s shot attempts. With injuries sidelining Terry Rozier and Kevin Love, the Heat may need to diversify their offensive strategy and enhance defensive schemes to contain Cleveland’s perimeter threats.
Injury Updates
Cavaliers: No reported injuries; expected to maintain their Game 1 starting lineup.
Heat: Terry Rozier (ankle) and Kevin Love (personal) are out. The starting lineup is anticipated to feature Tyler Herro, Alec Burks, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware.
Analysts widely favor Cleveland to win Game 2, with some models assigning the Cavaliers an 83% chance of victory.
What to Watch
Darius Garland’s Role: After scoring 27 points in Game 1, Garland may shift towards a playmaking role if the Heat intensify their perimeter defense. His ability to adapt could be pivotal.
Heat’s Defensive Strategy: Miami’s success may hinge on disrupting Cleveland’s rhythm through varied defensive looks and increased physicality.
With both teams having had time to analyze Game 1, expect strategic adjustments and a competitive Game 2 as the Heat strive to even the series before heading home.
Heat vs. Cavs Game 2 NBA Prediction:
I’m taking the over. In the last 10 meetings between these two teams, the over hit seven times. That includes in Cleveland’s 121-100 victory in Game 1 of this series, when the betting total tipped-off at 216. The over is also 8-2 in the Heat’s last 10 games and hit in back-to-back Cleveland contests coming into play tonight.
Heat vs. Cavs Game 2 Betting Prediction: OVER 212