In the first round of the 2024/2025 NBA playoffs, the «Cleveland Cavaliers» will host the «Miami Heat» — a historic matchup that promises to be tense and emotional. The first game of the series kicks off this Sunday, April 20th, at 7:00 PM at the «Cavs» home court — Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
After a dramatic play-in game on Friday evening, in which the «Miami Heat» defeated the «Atlanta Hawks» with a score of 123-114 in overtime, it was announced that the team from Florida will be the Cavaliers’ opponent. It is worth noting that the «Heat» became the first team in the history of the new Play-In format to, as a tenth seed, break into the main playoff bracket.
«Historically, it’s a great team. They are very strong on offense. But we are excited, we are ready for the challenge,» — commented Miami leader Tyler Herro after the game against the Hawks, gearing up for a serious confrontation with Cleveland.
During the regular season, the teams met three times: twice Cleveland celebrated victory, and only once—in December—the «Heat» managed to beat their opponent with a score of 122-113. In the January game in Miami, Cleveland took revenge convincingly, 126-106, and again secured a home victory in March — 112-107.
The «Cavs» coaching staff and players gained a clear understanding of their opponent only on Friday evening. Isaac Okoro noted after practice: «We’re focused. Watching videos, preparing for Sunday. Now that we know who we’re playing — we can work on the game plan.»
On Saturday, the team will undergo a detailed analysis of the opponent’s game, strategic training, and work on the starting lineup.
«Cavs» have the advantage of playing at home and boast a strong roster, but the experience of «Miami» in critical matches and the charisma of their leaders could pose a serious challenge for the young and ambitious team from Cleveland.
Will «Cleveland» be able to take advantage of the home starting series? The first answer will be given this Sunday at 7:00 PM.
