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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat Game Preview: It’s Clinching Time

The [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://www.fearthesword.com) are currently an immovable object riding a double-digit win streak for the third time this season.

> **Who**: Miami Heat (29-31) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (50-10)

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> **Where**: Rocket Arena, Cleveland OH

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> **When**: 7:00 p.m. EST

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> **TV**: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

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> **Line**: Cavs -11

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> **Expected Cavs starting lineup**: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, DeAndre Hunter, Jarrett Allen

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> **Cavs injury report**: Evan Mobley - OUT (rest), Emoni Bates - OUT (two-way), Luke Travers - OUT (two-way), Nae’Qwan Tomlin - OUT (two-way).

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> **Expected Heat starting lineup**: Terry Rozier, Alec Burks, Tyler Herro, Kevin Love, Bam Adebayo

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> **Heat injury report**: Dru Smith: out for season (achilles), Davion Mitchell: day to day (quadriceps), Kel’el Ware: out (knee), Jaime Jaquez Jr.: out (ankle), Nikola Jovic: out (hand), Andrew Wiggins: out (ankle)

### **What to watch for**

#### Clinching Cavaliers?

The Cavaliers are rolling. You might not realize the level of dominance the Cavaliers have demonstrated this season. To keep you all informed, if the Cavaliers win tonight against the Heat, they can be the first team in the entire NBA to clinch a postseason spot.

Obviously, fans weren’t concerned about this team missing the postseason. However, it is a testament that this team has clinched their positioning in the beginning of March. For reference, the Celtics who were the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the 2023-2024 NBA season, achieving this milestone on March 14, 2024.

The Celtics lasts season were also dominant and finished 14 games ahead of second place. For the Cavaliers to clinch, earlier than a dominant Celtics team really puts into perspective how the Cavaliers have stamped their presence on this season.

**Kevin Love’s first Cleveland Homecoming Game**

Yes, you read that correct. Kevin Love is expected to suit up for his first game in Cleveland since he became a member of the Miami Heat. What makes it so perplexing is that Love joined the Heat after the trade deadline in 2022. That makes almost two whole seasons have passed since Love last wore the wine and gold.

Love’s legacy started turbulent in Cleveland as he adjusted to his new role. From the center of the Timberwolves universe to one of LeBron’s soldiers in Cleveland, Love had an ever-morphing role. After being pivotal in the 2016 finals and in years to follow, Love created a legacy in which his personality and play spoke for themselves.

Throughout the turbulent years post-LeBron, Love was a mainstay and the sole building block for years in a row. Unfortunately, Love’s tenure with Cleveland came towards an end when the Cavaliers rotation tightened up as their playoff aspirations grew. It appears Love still has the hearts of Cavaliers’ faithful, so it will be interesting to see how the fans treat this introduction of a future hall of famer.

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