Miami Heat really pulled the short straw when it comes to playoff opponents. They’d ought entered the first round with 100% confidence, after becoming the first 10th-seeded team to reach the NBA play-offs through the play-in tournament. But that first round came through the best Cleveland Cavaliers side we’ve seen since 2016. And a member of that 2016 side is now a part of the Heat lineup, Kevin Love. Despite not being active in the squad for most of the season, his experience will come in handy.

Just to remind you, the Heat got destroyed 121-100 in the first game. And they have to play at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse again, where the Cavs boast a 34-7 record. But the NBA’s no alien to underdog stories. And that’s the belief Miami will have to carry on into the game tonight. So, which players will they have available for deployment?

Heat injury report ahead of Cavs clash

Who knows what the regular season would’ve looked like if Kevin Love had a bigger part to play in it. He’s only played 23 games, due to a multitude of reasons ranging from injuries to personal reasons. But the future Hall of Famer hasn’t played since 21st March, which is a run of 15 games. For Kevin, that run is to become 16 tonight, as he’s out due to personal reasons yet again.

As for Terry Rozier, he’s out due to a persisting ankle issue too. The Miami guard has had a forgettable season, averaging just 10.6/3.6/2.6 over 64 games. Amongst all the off-court drama involving the Feds and lackluster performance after lackluster performance, the playoffs were to be the perfect chance for Scary Terry. But his might won’t be witness on the court tonight, unfortunately.

Newbie Isaiah Stevens is also out of the game tonight due to being under a G League contract. But his appearences for the main team don’t sell the story properly. He’s been instrumental for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, averaging 12.3/2.7/7.5 for the season while shooting 40.4% from the field. His youthful exuberance would’ve come in handy against a terryfying Cleveland team, but he’ll have to bide his time for a shot at the majors.

The last person on the Heat injury report is guard Dru Smith. Like Rozier, this hasn’t been the most ideal of seasons for Smith. The 27-year old guard had played just 14 season games before undergoing a successful surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon. Smith was ruled out for the season before the turn of the year, which makes him out for tonight too. Such a shame.

Heat predicted lineup against Cavs

Other than Rozier, there’s not too many massive absentees for them for game 2. Kevin Love’s experience as an ex-Cavs player would’ve come in huge, but they have to do without him. And despite past mistortunes, they’re expected to field the same lineup that lost the first game. So on that note, let’s look at Miami Heat’s predicted lineup for the all-important first round game tonight:

3 season games, 2 losses for the Heat against the Cavs this season. Both have come in their last two games, with the last being at the Rocket Mortgage. With Kevin Love and and Terry Rozier both confirmed to be out, they’re missing out on experience and firepower. So, will the Heat set the Cleveland court on fire, or will the City of Light shine brighter?