
CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Garland did not play in Saturday’s Game 3 victory, a game the Cavaliers won by a 37-point margin. Sam Merrill replaced him in the starting lineup, but the point guard’s absence also meant more opportunities for Ty Jerome. Cleveland holds a 3-0 series lead, but that is not expected to factor into the medical staff’s thinking regarding Garland’s availability.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIA • Guard • #14
7 months ago
While Cavaliers guard Darius Garland criticized Herro for his defensive shortcomings after Game 2, the Heat guard proved to be a reliable offensive option in the first two games of the series. Unfortunately, Herro was unable to get going offensively on Saturday. Cleveland made his touches much more challenging to come by, and Herro was a shell of himself as a scorer. He’ll try to bounce back in Game 4 on Monday, with the Heat aiming to avoid being swept.

MIA • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell has played well in this series and has reached double figures in five straight and 11 of his last 12 appearances (regular season and playoffs). Alec Burks, who was replaced in the starting lineup by “Off Night” for Game 2, picked up a second straight DNP-CD on Saturday. With the Heat’s season on the line Monday night, expect to see plenty of Mitchell, given how well he’s played.

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
7 months ago
Adebayo appeared to be one of the few Heat players to understand what was on the line Saturday afternoon, with the 37-point loss dropping them into an 0-3 hole. With the defeat, Miami has now lost its last seven home playoff games, which does not bode well for its chances of extending the series in Game 4 on Monday. At the very least, Adebayo can be counted on to compete at a high level.

CLE • Forward-Guard • #12
7 months ago
Hunter has bounced back nicely since going scoreless in Cleveland’s series-opening win on April 20. Having scored 12 points in Game 2, he was even better on Saturday, helping the Cavaliers absorb the absence of Darius Garland (toe). Regardless of Garland’s status for Monday’s Game 4, Hunter remains a key contributor off the bench. The Cavaliers aim to end the series in Miami, which would net them additional rest ahead of the second round.

CLE • Guard-Forward • #2
7 months ago
Despite the Cavaliers not having Darius Garland (toe), Jerome remained in a reserve role for Game 3. However, that did not prevent him from recording a career-high assist total and a double-double. With his play throughout the regular season and in this series, Jerome has likely secured himself a substantial contract in unrestricted free agency this summer. First and foremost is the need to take care of this series, with Game 4 scheduled for Monday.

CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
7 months ago
With Darius Garland (toe) out and Donovan Mitchell (13/3/1 with three three-pointers) shooting 4-of-14 from the field, Strus was one of the Cavaliers who stepped up in Game 3. Having attempted 13 shots in the first two games, he matched that number on Saturday and recorded a series-high point total. The ease with which Cleveland won on Saturday may factor into what happens with Garland for Game 4 on Monday. If he remains out, look for Strus to be one of the Cavaliers who takes on an expanded role.

CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
The NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, Mobley, was impactful on both ends of the floor in Game 3. He recorded a complete stat line as Cleveland moved one step closer to the second round. While the Heat also starts two bigs, they’ve struggled to match up with Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday, with the Cavaliers aiming to clinch the series.

CLE • Center • #31
7 months ago
Playing without Darius Garland (toe), the Cavaliers impressively took care of business in Game 3. And Allen had a lot to do with the team’s start, making all four of his shots in the first quarter. He would finish one rebound shy of a double-double as Cleveland handed Miami its third-worst playoff defeat in franchise history. Allen and the Cavaliers will go for the sweep on Monday.

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
After holding serve in the first two games of the series, the Cavaliers will play Game 3 without their starting point guard. Initially questionable for Saturday, Garland is dealing with a sprained left great toe. Donovan Mitchell will be asked to shift into the point guard role, with Sam Merrill moving into the starting lineup. Merrill and backup guard Ty Jerome will take on additional minutes in Game 3.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIA • Guard • #2
7 months ago
Rozier will miss a second straight game with a sprained left ankle. Given how poorly he played for most of the regular season, the veteran guard fell out of the rotation ahead of the Play-In tournament. Rozier’s continued absence will not have an impact.
Source: NBA Injury Report

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Garland is officially questionable with a left great big toe sprain. He could end up being a game-time decision given the high stakes of the playoffs. Ty Jerome would be a candidate to move into the starting lineup and see additional minutes if Garland is ultimately ruled out Saturday.
Source: Danny Cunningham

MIA • Guard • #14
7 months ago
Herro had yet another strong scoring performance on Wednesday, reaching at least 20 points for the 14th consecutive game, and 30 points for the fifth time in April. The All-Star led all scorers in this game and also tallied the third-most assists for the Heat. Miami will hope Herro stays hot as the team heads back to Miami in search of a Game 3 victory on Saturday.

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
7 months ago
While Adebayo was limited in the scoring department, the eight-year pro led the Heat in assists and rebounds while being one of three Heat players to register a steal. In addition to his work on the boards and ability to serve as a go-to facilitator, additional scoring would greatly benefit a Miami team trying to keep pace with a dangerous Cavaliers offense. Adebayo will have a chance for more production in Game 3 on Saturday.

MIA • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell got his first start of the postseason and didn’t disappoint, coming up with timely scores and defensive plays down the stretch of Game 2. Mitchell’s double-digit finish was his fourth consecutive and 10th over the last 11 games. After starting in place of Alec Burks, who didn’t play a single second on Wednesday, it’s hard to imagine the fourth-year guard being removed from the starting lineup after such an impactful performance. Nevertheless, he figures to play a key role for Miami in Game 3 on Saturday.

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Garland flirted with a double-double, coming up just an assist shy of the feat. His stellar performance, alongside Donovan Mitchell’s 30-point showing, was just the latest in the two-time All-Star’s spectacular season. The pairing will aim to put Cleveland in a commanding 3-0 lead when they take on the Heat in Saturday’s Game 3.

CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Mobley bounced back after scoring only nine points in Cleveland’s Game 1 victory. Yet, it was Mobley’s three-point shooting that really stood out in what has been a career-best season for him from beyond the arc, averaging 1.2 three-point makes per game in the regular season. He’ll look for a repeat performance in Game 3 on Saturday.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell closed the show for the Cavaliers in Game 2, producing multiple baskets down the stretch to help them secure a 2-0 series lead. His 20 second-half points were particularly impressive, as were his contributions from beyond the arc. Mitchell will have the opportunity to reach 30 points for the third straight time this series when the Cavaliers take on the Heat Saturday in Game 3.

MIA • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell moves into the starting lineup after playing 34 minutes off the bench in Sunday’s Game 1 defeat. The combination of on-ball defensive ability and being able to set up teammates offensively is why “Off-Night” will start, with Alec Burks heading to the bench. The other four starters are unchanged from Game 1.
Source: Miami Heat

MIA • Guard • #2
8 months ago
Rozier’s absence stems from an ankle injury sustained during Monday’s optional workout. He fell out of Miami’s rotation before injuring his ankle, so his absence won’t have a noticeable impact on Miami’s rotation.
Source: Ira Winderman

MIA • Forward-Center • #42
8 months ago
Love hasn’t seen the floor in a month and remains away from the team after missing their play-in win over the Hawks and Game 1 against the Cavs due to personal reasons. It’s unclear if or when Love will return to the team, and when he does, he won’t see the floor often.
Source: Anthony Chiang

MIA • Guard • #2
8 months ago
Rozier reportedly injured his ankle during an optional workout and will be listed as questionable for Game 2. However, Rozier fell out of the rotation in March and didn’t see the floor at all during either play-in game and Game 1 of this series. His status won’t impact Miami’s rotation or gameplan.
Source: Anthony Chiang

MIA • Guard • #45
8 months ago
While the move from Toronto to Miami did not significantly impact Mitchell’s fantasy prospects during the regular season, his value to his team did increase. “Off-Night” may have finished Game 1 with a minus-19 rating, but the stat line was solid. And it’s fair to question if there will be a point when Mitchell replaces Alec Burks (6/2/2 with two three-pointers in 15 minutes) in the starting lineup for defensive reasons. Add in Mitchell’s ability to set up teammates, and that change may be required to give the Heat a shot at winning this series. Game 2 is on Wednesday.

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
8 months ago
Miami’s frontcourt was solid in Game 1, with Adebayo recording a complete stat line and rookie Kel’el Ware (14/6/2/1 with two three-pointers in 38 minutes) providing solid contributions in his playoff debut. However, it wasn’t enough to counter what Cleveland’s guards were able to do, which may prove to be the prevailing storyline of this series. Adebayo should be able to put up quality lines on a nightly basis, despite having to deal with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. However, the Heat are serious underdogs in this series due to their comparatively limited depth of productive players.

MIA • Guard • #14
8 months ago
Herro shot the ball well from beyond the arc on Sunday, making three of his six attempts. However, he was 4-of-12 from two, a far cry from the 56.5 percent clip he shot during the regular season. Cleveland’s defense, especially bigs Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the two-man game, had a lot to do with Herro’s two-point struggles in Game 1. Also, he finished with more turnovers (three) than assists. If Miami is to have any chance of pushing this series to its limit, much less win it, they’re going to need Herro to put up gaudy stat lines and be efficient in doing so. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.

CLE • Center • #31
8 months ago
While Cleveland’s perimeter attack will grab the headlines due to their offensive production, the frontcourt did its job as rebounders and defenders in Game 1. Allen recorded a complete stat line, which included a double-double, while Evan Mobley added seven rebounds along with nine points, one assist and one three-pointer. Allen may be the most overlooked member of the “core four,” but his production as an efficient finisher who also rebounds and defends is essential. The Cavaliers will look to extend their series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.

CLE • Guard-Forward • #2
8 months ago
On the day he was named a finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, Jerome showed why he was deserving of that distinction. Playing in his first playoff game, the Cavaliers guard finished with the fourth-most points scored off the bench in a postseason debut since 1971. Defending Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland was challenging enough for Miami; Jerome’s play was essentially the knockout blow in Game 1, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter. He’ll look to build on this performance when the Cavaliers host Game 2 on Wednesday.
Source: NBA

CLE • Guard • #10
8 months ago
Cleveland’s backcourt was outstanding in Game 1, with Garland finishing one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. After averaging 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers per game in two regular-season meetings with the Heat, he was far superior to those numbers on Sunday. Garland’s play prompted the Heat to play Davion Mitchell 34 minutes, as starter Alec Burks had no answer defensively. That will be something to watch in this series; if the Heat can’t slow down Garland and Donovan Mitchell, they’re in trouble. Game 2 is on Wednesday.

CLE • Guard • #45
8 months ago
Due to a lingering ankle injury, Mitchell did not play in Cleveland’s final four games of the regular season. That prompted the “rest vs. rust” question ahead of Sunday’s series opener, and “rest” won out for Spida. Seeing his first game action in two weeks, Mitchell looked healthy and refreshed against the Heat, dropping a robust stat line to lead the way for the team that recorded the best record in the Eastern Conference. Having a healthy Mitchell on the court will go a long way toward Cleveland being the championship contender they appeared to be during the regular season. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.

MIA • Forward-Center • #42
8 months ago
Love last appeared in a game on March 21, and he only played six minutes in a loss to the Rockets that night. Hopefully, the veteran forward will be able to rejoin the Heat soon. His continued absence does not impact Miami’s regular rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIA • Forward • #22
8 months ago
After scoring 20 points in Wednesday’s play-in win over the Bulls, Wiggins added 20 more on Friday and also approached triple-double territory. He may not have been the star that the Heat were hoping to bring back in exchange for Jimmy Butler, but he fits in well with this team and will help them be dangerous in the first round of the playoffs against the Cavaliers. That series will begin on Sunday.

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
8 months ago
Adebayo didn’t have a bad game offensively, but he really left his mark on the defensive end. As one of the premier defenders in the league, Adebayo was able to do a bit of everything to help Miami keep their season alive. His seven “stocks” matched his season-high, and he recorded his third straight double-double. Adebayo be tasked with slowing down Cleveland’s two seven-footers in the first round of the playoffs as the Heat look to pull off their second win over a No. 1 seed as a No. 8 seed in the last three years.

MIA • Guard • #45
8 months ago
Mitchell only scored one point in the first half, but he came up big for Miami after the break. Mitchell scored 15 points in the second half, including nine points in overtime. Combined with his defense on Trae Young, Mitchell was instrumental in helping the Heat survive Atlanta’s comeback. He’ll continue to be an important reserve for Miami as they take on Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs. He’ll do his best to slow down Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, but he likely won’t contribute as much offense as he did in this game.

MIA • Guard • #14
8 months ago
Herro dazzled in Friday’s play-in tournament win over the Hawks, with timely baskets late in the fourth quarter and overtime to help Miami secure the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The sixth-year guard’s performance was his 12th consecutive having scored at least 20 points, with the Heat winning 10 of those games. Herro will look to stay hot on Sunday as the Heat take on the Cavaliers in Game 1 of their opening-round series.

MIA • Forward • #5
8 months ago
Both players were upgraded to probable Friday afternoon and have officially been cleared to suit up. Jovic has been out since February 23, while Larsson was made available to play against the Bulls on Tuesday but didn’t see the floor. It’s unclear how much either player will play, but they will both be available if needed.
Source: Ira Winderman

MIA • Forward-Center • #42
8 months ago
Love’s streak of absences will extend to 14 as he misses the Heat’s Play-In matchup with the Hawks. If Miami wins and advances to the playoffs, the team will face Cleveland in the first round, and Love will have a chance to return against his former team.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIA • Forward • #5
8 months ago
Jovic has been out since February 23, and Larsson hasn’t played since April 7. Both players are expected to take the court for Miami’s win-or-go-home matchup with Atlanta. With most of Miami’s roster available, Larsson is unlikely to play many minutes. Jovic may see some court time, but he could be on a minutes restriction after such a long layoff.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIA • Guard • #9
8 months ago
No big surprises on the Heat injury report heading into Friday’s game. While Larsson and Jovic are questionable, Duncan Robinson (back), Alec Burks (back) and Haywood Highsmith (Achilles) are all available. Larsson was questionable, but ultimately available against the Bulls Wednesday, though he didn’t play due to coach’s decision. Jovic was out Wednesday as he hasn’t played since February with a broken right hand.
Source: Ira Winderman

MIA • Forward • #22
8 months ago
Wiggins was impactful on both ends of the floor, supplementing Tyler Herro’s 38-point effort with 20 of his own while recording a complete stat line. Since joining the Heat, Wiggins shot nearly 46 percent from the field on 14.8 attempts per game, averaging 19.0 points. While those numbers are solid, the Heat will need more from him to extend their season. Miami visits Atlanta on Friday, with the winner advancing to face one-seed Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs.

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
8 months ago
Adebayo is one of the NBA’s best and most versatile defenders, and the Heat used that to their advantage on Wednesday. He began the game guarding Josh Giddey, which may have thrown off the Bulls’ starting point guard. Adebayo didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, but his rebounding and defense helped lead the way as Miami held Chicago to a season-low 90 points. The Heat visit Atlanta on Friday, with the winner advancing to face Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs.

MIA • Guard • #14
8 months ago
Herro was scalding hot to begin Wednesday’s game, as he shot 8-of-8 from the field and scored 23 points in the first half. The damage was done with the Heat holding a 71-47 lead at the intermission. The Bulls should be happy that Herro committed seven turnovers on the night; things could have been worse. With Wednesday’s result, Miami has beaten Chicago in the Play-In tournament three consecutive years. Next up for the Heat is a matchup with the Hawks on Friday in Atlanta, with the winner receiving the eighth seed in the East.

MIA • Forward • #5
8 months ago
Jovic and Love have been out for extended periods, with the former last playing on February 23 while the latter did not play in 19 of Miami’s last 20 regular-season games. Due to the time missed, their absences will not impact the Heat rotation as the team looks to keep its season alive in Chicago.
Source: Ira Winderman

MIA • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Larsson returns after missing Miami’s final three regular-season games with a sprained right ankle. The rookie wing will provide additional depth off the bench but is unlikely to figure prominently in the Heat’s game plan.
Source: Ira Winderman

MIA • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Larsson is looking to return from a three-game layoff, while Jovic hasn’t played since February. The Heat will need to rely on Haywood Highsmith, Kyle Anderson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to play heavy minutes off the bench if Larsson and Jovic are ruled out.
Source: NBA Injury Report

CLE • Guard-Forward • #24
8 months ago
Tyson was a first-round pick last summer, but he wasn’t able to carve out a role on a talented Cavs team. That isn’t an indictment of his talent since Cleveland finished with the best record in the East. He took advantage of the opportunity to play a significant role in this game and had the best game of his young career. Tyson won’t be a factor for them during the postseason, but he has a bright future in the league.

CLE • Center-Forward • #13
8 months ago
Thompson has been an elite rebounder for his entire career, but it has been a few years since he played enough to be relevant in fantasy basketball. However, he got the chance in this game and took advantage. His 20 rebounds were the most he has had in a game since 2020 when he grabbed a career-best 22 boards. It was fun to see Thompson play this well, but he won’t see more than a few minutes during the postseason.

MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware was the lone regular in the Heat starting lineup for Sunday’s regular-season finale, as they were locked into a play-in tournament matchup with Chicago. With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that the rookie only logged 20 minutes, with Keshad Johnson (17/8/1/2 with two three-pointers in 28 minutes) among the Heat reserves whose opportunities increased. Ware will assume his usual role on Wednesday, while Johnson will be inactive as a two-way contract player.