Miami Heat vs Cleveland-cavaliers Picks and Predictions January 29th 2025

Heat Look to Upset Cavaliers Again Despite Jimmy Butler’s Absence

The Miami Heat handed the Cleveland Cavaliers a tough loss last month, and despite missing Jimmy Butler, they’ll try to do it again on Wednesday night in Florida. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are looking to maintain their strong defensive identity and avoid another setback.

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Heat Adjust to Life Without Jimmy Butler

Miami will be without Jimmy Butler, who has been indefinitely suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. This marks his third suspension in a month, and his future with the team remains uncertain as the NBA trade deadline (Feb. 6) approaches.

Despite the turbulence, the Heat have found ways to win. Tyler Herro has emerged as a leader, delivering clutch performances in back-to-back victories. He scored 25 points and 8 assists in a win over the Brooklyn Nets and followed up with 30 points and a season-high 12 assists in a double-overtime thriller against the Orlando Magic.

Herro remains unfazed by the off-court distractions:

“It kind of feels normal now, at this point,” Herro told the Miami Herald. “Nothing is guaranteed, so we just got to be ready to roll with whatever cards we’re dealt.”

Bam Adebayo’s Impact

Bam Adebayo continues to be a crucial piece for Miami. In the Heat’s last game, he scored 26 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double.

Adebayo emphasized the team’s ability to stay focused despite distractions:

“Through all the noise and chaos, we can still win,” he said. “We can still come together and be a great team and believe in one another.”

Cavaliers Regain Defensive Form

Cleveland started the season strong, winning 33 of their first 37 games, but they’ve hit a rough patch, losing five of their last eight before bouncing back with a 110-91 win over the Detroit Pistons.

The Cavaliers’ defense dominated Detroit, holding them to just 38.5% shooting from the floor and 27.8% from three-point range.

Darius Garland (22 points) and Donovan Mitchell (21 points) led the offense, but Cleveland’s calling card remains their defensive tenacity.

“I think we made a statement defensively,” said Max Strus. “When things don’t go well, this group takes it personal and has the resiliency to bounce back.”

Donovan Mitchell Aims for Redemption

Despite averaging 23.7 points per game, Donovan Mitchell struggled against Miami in their previous meeting, shooting just 5-for-16 from the field. He will look to turn things around and ensure that Cleveland’s home-court success (22-3 record at home) translates to road victories.

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Key Matchups to Watch

• Tyler Herro vs. Donovan Mitchell: Both teams rely on these guards for scoring. Whoever wins this battle could determine the outcome.
• Bam Adebayo vs. Cavaliers’ Defense: Adebayo’s playmaking will test Cleveland’s defensive discipline.
• Cavaliers’ Perimeter Defense: Cleveland must contain Miami’s shooters, particularly Duncan Robinson, who scored 23 points in their last matchup.

Prediction & Final Thoughts

With Jimmy Butler out, Miami’s chances depend on Herro and Adebayo carrying the load. The Heat have shown resilience, but Cleveland’s elite defense gives them an edge.

Final Score Prediction: Cavaliers 112, Heat 105.

Miami must prove they can win without Butler, while Cleveland aims to reassert itself as a top team in the East. Can the Heat pull off another upset, or will the Cavaliers shut them down?