
CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Garland sat out the Game 1 loss to Indiana on Sunday, and his availability will be crucial for Cleveland’s chances of taking Game 2. Sam Merrill started Game 1 in Garland’s place, but provided only a 6/4/4 line with two triples across 18 minutes.
Source: Evan Dammarell

CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Head coach Kenny Atkinson “expressed real concern” for the availability of the two players, and Cleveland could be sorely shorthanded with Darius Garland also banged up. If Mobley and Hunter are ultimately sidelined, expect Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro to pick up some extra minutes.
Source: Jared Greenberg

CLE • Guard-Forward • #2
7 months ago
Jerome was one of the best sixth men in the NBA this season, and the continued absence of Darius Garland (toe) means the Cavaliers need more production from him. However, he was inefficient in Game 1, shooting 40 percent from the field on 20 attempts. Among the Cavaliers who saw action, only Donovan Mitchell (30) had more attempts from Jerome. While Jerome’s ability to provide production off the bench will be critical in this series, the Cavaliers must share the wealth better than they did in Game 1.

CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Mobley was excellent in Game 1, finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. The Cavaliers’ lack of offensive balance did them in on Sunday afternoon, with Mobley being one of three players to reach double digits in shot attempts. Jarrett Allen (12/5/1/2 in 30 minutes) only attempted seven shots, while Donovan Mitchell’s 30 attempts were ten more than Allen and Mobley combined. Cleveland will try to even the series at one game apiece on Tuesday.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
While Mitchell’s final point tally was excellent, how he reached that number was not. The Cavaliers’ leading scorer shot 1-of-11 from three, and Indiana outscored the Cavaliers by 33 points from beyond the arc. Once again playing without Darius Garland (toe), the Cavaliers could not control the tempo. Changing that for Tuesday’s Game 2 becomes exponentially more difficult if Garland cannot play, regardless of what Mitchell does individually.

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
With Garland practicing on Friday, there was hope that he would return to action on Sunday despite sitting out Saturday’s practice session. (It was a scheduled day off for Garland.) Unfortunately, the Cavaliers guard was not on the court during his usual pregame warmup time, and he has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s series opener. Sam Merrill started the final two games of Cleveland’s first-round series and will retain that role against the Pacers.
Source: Tony East

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Garland practiced on Friday, and head coach Kenny Atkinson said this was a scheduled day off to see how his toe responded. His status for Game 1 on Sunday is up in the air, but this isn’t an alarming absence from practice. Garland missed Games 3 and 4 against the Heat, and Sam Merrill would likely continue to start if Garland remains out.
Source: Danny Cunningham

MIA • Guard • #14
7 months ago
Though this was an excellent season for Herro, it ended on the lowest note possible. After struggling in Game 3, Herro was even worse in Miami’s final game of the year as they were swept in a 55-point loss. The Heat hosted two playoff games and lost by a total of 82 points during them. Herro set career highs for points and assists this season and should be drafted much earlier ahead of the 2025-26 season. However, things got really ugly in this one.

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
7 months ago
What started off as a disappointing season for Adebayo eventually turned into a strong one for him, but it wasn’t enough to change Miami’s fortunes in the postseason. Nothing changes for him entering next season. He’s still the franchise cornerstone, along with Tyler Herro. Adebayo’s production improved after the Jimmy Butler trade, which will hopefully translate into a big 2025-26 season for him, though it may depend on what moves the Heat make this season. Regardless, Adebayo should at least be considered a top-50 player entering next season and has the potential for more.

MIA • Forward • #5
7 months ago
There usually aren’t many positives from a 55-point loss that ends your season, but Jovic’s performance was an encouraging one. He led both teams in scoring, though Cleveland pulling its starters early certainly helped with that. Jovic will turn 22 in June and certainly is one of the bright spots for Miami moving forward. Considering Jovic only returned for the playoffs after being sidelined since February, this type of performance was great to see. He started off last season as a starter and certainly could be in that role again to start next year.

MIA • Forward • #22
7 months ago
Wiggins started off this game poorly and entered halftime without any points. He was better after the break, but the damage was already done at that point. This was a poor series for Wiggins to close out a strange year for him. He started off the season with Golden State but was sent to Miami as part of the Jimmy Butler deal. Wiggins is under contract for two more seasons, and unless he is used to match salaries, he will likely remain with the Heat, unless he chooses to opt out after next season.

CLE • Guard-Forward • #2
7 months ago
This was the first postseason series of Jerome’s career, and it couldn’t have gone much better. He’s still never lost a playoff game, and he averaged 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.5 triples per game in this series. Jerome will continue to provide them with excellent depth, though if Darius Garland (toe) is back for Game 1 of the second round, Jerome may not be as productive, since he will likely lose out on minutes.

CLE • Center • #31
7 months ago
After only missing one shot in a Game 3 blowout win, Allen and the Cavs were even better in the series-clinching victory. They went from winning by 37 to winning by 55, and Allen was perfect from the floor and the free throw line. He also tied the franchise record for steals. What made things more impressive was that he did most of that in the first half as he entered the break with 12 points, 11 rebounds and six swipes. If the score wasn’t so lopsided, this could’ve been a truly special performance for him, though his dominance was the reason for the blowout. He’ll look to carry this into the next round.

CLE • Forward-Guard • #12
7 months ago
Hunter may have posted a dud in Game 1 of this series, but the last three games were all strong performances for him. That was more than enough to help Cleveland advance to the second round. 18 of his 19 points came before halftime, so Hunter certainly could’ve scored more if the game wasn’t over at that point. He’ll continue to play a significant role off the bench as the Cavaliers’ postseason run continues in the conference semifinals.

CLE • Forward-Guard • #12
7 months ago
Hunter may have posted a dud in Game 1 of this series, but the last three games were all strong performances for him. That was more than enough to help Cleveland advance to the second round. 18 of his 19 points came before halftime, so Hunter certainly could’ve scored more if the game wasn’t over at that point. He’ll continue to play a significant role off the bench as the Cavaliers’ postseason run continues in the conference semifinals.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell only needed 25 minutes in this game to lead the Cavs in scoring and help them advance to the second round of the playoffs. Things got out of hand quickly, and they were able to take a 39-point lead into halftime. Mitchell certainly could’ve had a bigger night if this game was remotely close. They’ll take on the winner of the Pacers/Bucks series, and with Indiana leading 3-1 and hosting on Tuesday, Cleveland may not get a ton of time to rest before their second-round series begins.

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
This will be a second straight absence for Garland after he also missed Saturday’s 37-point drubbing. Sam Merrill started in his place in Game 3 and should remain in that role once again, though Ty Jerome will also take on more minutes off the bench.
Source: Chris Fedor

MIA • Forward-Guard • #20
7 months ago
Anderson was a late addition to the injury report, but he will suit up for Game 4. Slo Mo played six minutes in Game 1 but didn’t see the floor in Game 2 or Game 3. Don’t expect that to change with Miami looking to keep its season alive.
Source: Anthony Chiang

MIA • Forward-Guard • #20
7 months ago
Anderson’s only action in the Heat’s first-round series against the Cavs was six minutes in Game 1. His availability won’t impact Miami’s rotation in Game 4.
Source: NBA Injury Report

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.