Heat vs. Cavaliers Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA Playoffs, Today 4/20
Day two of the NBA Playoffs tip off with a thrilling Eastern Conference matchup as the Miami Heat take on the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 today, April 20, 2025!
Heat vs Cavaliers Predictions for NBA Playoffs Game 1 on TNT, 4/20
This first-round clash promises high stakes, with Miami’s gritty underdog mentality facing Cleveland’s dominant regular-season performance. Here’s a deep dive into the storylines, odds, betting picks, and everything you need to know to bet on this TNT showdown.
Miami Heat: Battle-Tested Underdogs Ready to Upset
The Miami Heat earned their playoff spot through a hard-fought Play-In Tournament victory over the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing their trademark resilience. Despite a 37 - 45 regular-season record, Miami’s playoff pedigree under coach Erik Spoelstra makes them a dangerous No. 8 seed. The Heat’s ability to slow the pace and grind out possessions could challenge Cleveland’s high-powered offense. With an experienced leader in Bam Adebayo, and the high scoring habits of Tyler Herro, Miami can once again stun the world with an eighth seed series victory.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Top Seed Aiming for Deep Playoff Run
The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed, boasting a stellar 64-18 record and the league’s highest-scoring offense. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland form a dynamic backcourt, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen provide elite rim protection and rebounding. Under probable Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson, the Cavs have balanced their explosive offense with a tough interior defense.
Cleveland’s depth and home-court advantage make them heavy favorites, but their relative lack of playoff experience as a unit could be tested by Miami’s savvy veterans. The Cavs aim to assert dominance early and avoid an upset that would rank among the biggest in playoff history.
Heat vs Cavaliers Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Here are the latest odds for Game 1, sourced from major sportsbooks as of April 19, 2025:
- Moneyline: Cavaliers -750, Heat +525
- Spread: Cavaliers -12.5 (-110), Heat +12.5 (-110)
- Total (Over/Under): 215.5 points (-110 for both)
- Series Odds: Cavaliers -2500, Heat +1200
Odds reflect Cleveland’s dominance, with a double-digit spread favoring the Cavaliers at home. The total suggests a relatively low-scoring game, likely due to Miami’s defensive prowess and Cleveland’s ability to lock down opponents. Bettors should monitor line movements, as public backing of the Cavs could shift the spread closer to tipoff.
Heat vs Cavaliers Best Bet: Davion Mitchell Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (+135 on BetMGM)
Davion Mitchell came up big for the Heat against the Atlanta Hawks, and could be asked to deliver again. Although he is known for his defensive talents, he has been an efficient three point scorer too. He will have every opportunity to make two three-point field goals, especially if Miami is losing by as much as predicted.
Mitchell is averaging 24.5 minutes per game this season, but has played 33 or more minutes in seven of his last nine matches. He has also made 2 or more threes in six of his last nine matches, and has a 39.5 three point percentage this season. Trust him to bring some scoring relief for Herro and Wiggins, put a unit for two made threes at BET MGM right now. For those new to the sportsbook make sure to take advantage of the $1,500 Bonus Bet offer.
How To Watch Heat vs Cavaliers on TNT Today
Game 1 of Heat vs. Cavaliers tips off today, Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will be broadcast live on TNT, with streaming available on the TNT app or services like Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV. Check your local cable provider or streaming service for TNT access. Pregame coverage starts at 6:00 PM ET, featuring analysis from TNT’s acclaimed NBA crew.
Heat vs Cavaliers Injury Report & Starting Lineup
Injury Report (as of April 19, 2025)
- Miami Heat:
- Kevin Love (personal): Out
- Kevin Love (personal): Out
- Cleveland Cavaliers:
- No Injuries on Report/ Full Roster
Always check the latest injury reports closer to tipoff, as playoff rotations can be affected by last-minute decisions.
Projected Starting Lineups
- Miami Heat: Tyler Herrol (PG), Alec Burks (SG), Andrew Wiggins (SF), Bam Adebayo (PF), Kel’el Ware (C)
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland (PG), Donovan Mitchell (SG), Max Strus (SF), Evan Mobley (PF), Jarrett Allen (C)
Miami’s lineup leans on defensive versatility, with Burks or Davion Da. Mitchell tasked with slowing Garland or Do. Mitchell. Cleveland’s starters offer scoring at every position, with Mobley and Allen forming a formidable frontcourt.
How To Bet On Heat vs Cavaliers at BetMGM Sportsbook & Claim Your $1,500 Bonus
Betting on Heat vs. Cavaliers is easy with BetMGM Sportsbook, a top platform offering competitive odds and a user-friendly interface. New users can claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets with the BetMGM promo code TPOVIP. Here’s how to get started:
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BetMGM offers live betting, player props, and same-game parlays for added excitement. Always bet responsibly and check BetMGM’s responsible gaming resources.
Player News
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) said after Wednesday’s Game 2 loss to the Knicks that his current stamina issues may be related to the problem that sidelined him for eight games late in the regular season.
After an illness limited him to 13 first-half minutes in Boston’s series-opening defeat on Monday, Porzingis came off the bench in Game 2. Unfortunately, he could only give the Celtics 14 minutes. Following the game, Porzingis said his current problem may be related to the upper respiratory ailment that sidelined him for eight games late in the regular season. “Probably, probably,” Porzingis said. “I’ve had like ups and downs throughout until this point. Just now, had a big crash. Now, my energy, my everything, hasn’t been good, but who cares? Have to move forward and it will get better from this point.” While Boston’s shot selection was the focus following its two home defeats, Porzingis’ limited availability has also been a factor. He’ll hope to return to full health in time for Game 3 on Saturday afternoon.
Nikola Jokic finished with 17 points (6-of-16 FGs), eight rebounds, six assists, one steal, one block, two three-pointers and six turnovers in Game 2 against the Thunder on Wednesday.
This was Jokic’s worst performance of the postseason, and it came to an end in the third quarter. He fouled out with 1:17 left in the third, which brought his night to a close after he played 32 minutes. OKC was up 41 points when Jokic fouled out, so his night may have been close to over anyway. Jokic dominated Game 1, and the Thunder adjusted. Denver will need other players to step up if they want to have a chance of winning this series, but Jokic will also need to be better than he was in this game.
Michael Porter Jr. struggled on Wednesday and finished with just eight points (2-of-10 FGs), five rebounds, one steal and two three-pointers in Game 2 against the Thunder.
MPJ was slightly better in the second half, as all eight of his points came in the third quarter. However, the game was already out of hand at that point after a terrible first half for both Porter Jr. and the Nuggets. MPJ shot 1-of-8 in Game 1, and they’ll need him to be much better moving forward. The series will now shift back to Denver, and MPJ will look to get back on track during the two home games before the series heads back to Oklahoma City.
Russell Westbrook provided a boost off the bench with 19 points (5-of-11 FGs, 8-of-10 FTs), one rebound, five assists and one three-pointer in a 149-106 loss to the Thunder in Game 2 on Wednesday.
Despite an ugly first half for Denver, Westbrook was productive and entered the break with 15 points. He didn’t add much in the second half, though he sat the entire fourth quarter, still it was enough to lead the Nuggets in scoring. Russ has been awesome over Denver’s last five games, and his continued success will be key to the Nuggets winning this series. Though this game was ugly, they still have homecourt advantage in this series. They’ll look to keep it in Game 3 on Friday.
Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double on Wednesday with 15 points (3-of-8 FGs, 7-of-7 FTs), 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, two blocks and two three-pointers in Game 2 against the Nuggets.
After struggling in Game 1, Holmgren bounced back and recorded the fourth postseason triple-double of his career, with three of those coming this season. Aside from Game 3 against Memphis, Holmgren has swatted at least two shots in every game during these playoffs, which was a trend that continued in this game despite him only playing 26 minutes. Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein (14/8/5/1/1) will look to continue to limit Nikola Jokic (17 points) in Game 3 on Friday.
Jalen Williams bounced back on Wednesday with 17 points (6-of-11 FGs), four rebounds, seven assists and two blocks in Game 2 against the Nuggets.
Williams was criticized for his poor performance in the Thunder’s Game 1 loss, but he responded well in OKC’s blowout victory. He was on pace for a bigger night, but he only played 26 minutes and sat the entire fourth quarter due to the lopsided score. He shot the ball much better after shooting 5-of-20 in Game 1, and he’ll need that success to carry over into Game 3 in Denver on Friday.