4. Miami Heat
Entering Saturday night’s game, the Cavaliers haven’t been able to win in James’ old stomping grounds since he has returned to the Cavs. Three losses, the last without him seeing any action, offer some doubt as to picking up a win there during the postseason. In contrast, they’ve yet to lose to the Heat at home during that same time frame.
While they’ll have home-court advantage in such a series, the Cavs will prefer not having to go seven games to win it. That means that they have to find a way to win in Miami, which may not seem difficult, given the absence of their forward Chris Bosh. However, the Heat have managed to win without him, and with the addition of Joe Johnson, will present a challenge.
Winning in Miami will alleviate the concern of possibly stumbling at home, but finding a way to contain the emerging Hassan Whiteside and controlling the always-dangerous Dwyane Wade are the likely keys to success here.
Next: Indiana Pacers