The Revenge Game

Cleveland and Miami recently made a trade that sent Oubre to Cleveland and Barnes to Miami, so there’s going to be some tension there. I feel like the bigger story is the teams being so similar though. They are around the same record right now, they both started off hot, but have since slowed down. In a game earlier this season, the Heat were beat by more than 20 points, but could we see a different outcome this time?

Cleveland

The Cavaliers look very good up top, but having 6 injuries currently they lack depth, only having 9 players available. Two of the players are rookies, one being a lottery pick in Kira Lewis Jr. Lewis Jr has shown flashes with a 21 point, 6 assist game and a 12 point, 11 assist game, but he is only averaging 3.9 ppg and 2.5 apg on the season. The other rookie, Isaiah Joe, has not really gotten many minutes so far, but we will see what he’s got this upcoming week with Malik Monk and Luguentz Dort entering the injury report.

Miami

The Heat have Beasley back from suspension but are currently missing their best player. Jarrett Allen has been phenomenal, but they will have to face Cleveland without him. The good news for Miami is they don’t many injuries. Frank Kaminsky is the only other player out, and they have lots of depth. The Miami Heat’s 2020 1^st round picks have been good contributors so far, with Precious Achiuwa winning two ROTW awards and Desmond Bane winning one. I would say that Barnes is a downgrade from Oubre, but he’s still a very solid player. He’s averaging 19.4 ppg in his two weeks with Miami so far.

Matchups:

Center

Mo Bamba vs Bismack Biyombo

Mo Bamba has the advantage here, since he is so good in 2k. Biyombo is alright but is only filling in for the short-term absence of Jarrett Allen. The past two games Biyombo played 2 mins and then 1 the next. Hopefully he will be able to handle being thrusted into the starting lineup.

Power Forward

Aaron Gordon vs Precious Achiuwa

Aaron Gordon has the advantage with his experience, Precious has looked promising so far, but Gordon is just better as of now. Gordon’s problem this season has just been staying healthy, he’s a great player when he does play.

Small Forward

Kelly Oubre vs Harrison Barnes

Kelly Oubre has the slight advantage over Barnes, but it is very close. The experience Barnes brings could very well be shown in this matchup. With the two being traded with each other earlier this season it could provide a little rivalry.

Shooting Guard

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope vs Malik Beasley

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has really done well for Cleveland this year, averaging 11.3 ppg while shooting 53% from 3. Malik Beasley though is averaging 21.4 ppg and shooting 55% from 3. Beasley will have the advantage in this matchup, but don’t think Caldwell-Pope won’t stand his ground.

Point Guard

Collin Sexton vs Delon Wright

Delon Wright is pretty good, but Collin Sexton is a different beast. He has nearly doubled his scoring to 25 ppg and has kept up his production in playmaking. Delon Wright is more defensive minded, but I don’t see him being able to stop Sexton.

Bench: Kira Lewis Jr, Isaiah Joe, Kyle Kuzma, and Xavier Tillman vs. Desmond Bane, Jordan Poole, Ty Jerome, Andre Iguodala

I would give a slight edge to the Heat, Achiuwa will likely be playing some center when Biyombo is off of the court too. Bane will be a good 6^th man for them. Jordan Poole and Ty Jerome have really improved this season after coming to Miami in small trades during the offseason. The Cavs despite having few players healthy, have a solid bench too, Kuzma is probably the best player of the 2 benches.

 
Head to Head Prediction:

Cavs by 10. Although they are not deep, the Cavs have the best player and have a great starting five with a few players who can produce off the bench.

The Cavs bench. They will need some solid production in order to win. The Cavs are relying on only a few players too which can make or break the game.