Kevin Love, a forward for the Miami Heat, was added to the injury list after the game on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Love is excluded for private reasons.
This is a preview of the game:
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Where: Fieldhouse of Rocket Mortgage
Bally Sports Sun on TV
Line for betting: Heat -2
VITALS: This season’s first of three meetings between the Heat and Cavaliers will take place. The teams’ season series ended in a 2-2 draw the previous year. In the regular season, the Heat are 76-50 all-time against Cleveland, with a 49-15 home record and a 27-35 road record. Bam Adebayo (hip) is expected to play for the Heat, while Tyler Herro (ankle), Jamal Cain (G League), RJ Hampton (G League), Cole Swider (Two-Way), and Nikola Jovic (G League) are out due to personal reasons. The following players are sidelined for the Cavaliers: Ricky Rubio (not with team), Caris LeVert (knee), Donovan Mitchell (hamstring), and Emoni Bates (G League).
ESTIMATED STARTERS
HEAT
Robinson, G. Duncan
Kyle Lowry, G.
C. Bam Adebayo
F. Haywood Highsmith
F. Jimmy Butler
AVALIERS
Dean Wade, F.
F. Evan Mobley
C. Jarrett Allen
G. Max Strus
G. Darius Garland
QUOTABLE
Regarding the second unit, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, “The great thing about that group is they have great intentions.” They are aware of their importance and want to contribute to the team’s success. For us, that group is a significant X-factor. It’s simply not the same as it was last year.”
