The Cleveland Cavaliers have managed to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference despite being without Donovan Mitchell for most of their games in the past two weeks.
Mitchell's absence has negatively impacted the Cavs' standing as the team lost four of its seven games. In the win over the Clippers other day, Mitchell returned but only logged 20 minutes and only 11 points.
Mitchell, who was recently voted as a starter in the upcoming All-Star Game, has been averaging 27.9 points (on 48 percent shooting), 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this season. The Cavaliers will need Mitchell to return to top form if they plan on taking down the Heat tomorrow for their second straight win.
Unlike the Cavs, the Heat are coming off a loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
Miami was up nine late in the third period but allowed Charlotte to snatch the game away from them. Bright spots for the Heat in that loss, though, were Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Butler ended the game with 28 points and seven boards, while Adebayo had a huge double-double of 24 points and 17 rebounds.
Letting the Hornets take the win was a rare defensive lapse for the Heat, who only allow their opponents 108.4 points per game. Hopefully, they can restore their top-notch defense against the Cavaliers.
The last time these two teams met, the Cavaliers cruised to a 113-87 win as the Heat played without Butler and Tyler Herro. Miami also shot 39 percent from the field and 19 percent from the 3-point area in the game.
Where to watch
Catch the Cavaliers and Heat in action tomorrow at 8:00 am live on NBA League Pass.
