FanDuel. I know I sound like a broken record, but I’m once again on Davion Mitchell. He’s now cleared this line in eleven of his last twelve games against non-tanking teams, and is coming off an 18-point, 9-assist performance in Game 1 (notably, with 20 potential assists). His role is solidified even more so this series, as he was by far the Heat’s best individual defender on Donovan Mitchell. His coming off the bench is more ceremonial at this point than anything - he should be locked in for another 32-36 minutes tonight.

A player that has blossomed for the Miami Heat in the play-in and postseason has been Davion Mitchell. He has put up performances of 16, 15, and 18, but this will be his first instance facing an opponent that can adjust. Expect the Cavaliers to do a better job with their perimeter defense on Mitchell. Additionally, Coach Spoelstra has been known for vastly changing his lineups when he is trailing in a series. Take Mitchell to cool off in the points department and go under his points prop.

The model is projecting Jarrett Allen for 13.7 points which is solid value even at a pricier -130. There is buy low value because of his low 7.6 average his last 5 games but he only played 1 minute in one of those games, and a lower 9.8 avg in his last 8 games vs MIA (3-5 over). But I’m going to go with his strong overall season trend of 14.3 pts per game (28-14 over). Bam Adebayo and Kal’el Ware only had 1 PF each in Game 1 with Allen and Mobley combining for just 21 points (less than Bam’s 24 alone). I’m looking for CLE’s bigs to come out more offensively aggressive to get Miami’s bigs in foul trouble.

The zig-zag hit only one of three last night but it remains a factor to be considered in every NBA playoffs Game 2. So we consider it after the Cavs' 121-100 Sunday win was a bit more competitive than the final scoreline suggests; Miami was still within single digits midway thru the 4th Q before the Cavs went on a late spurt. The surprise for Cleveland was ex-Virginia G Ty Jerome, who scored a big 28 points off of the bench to help fuel the late Cavs run. If the Heat can get a bit more from Tyler Herro, who is capable of more than the 21 points he scored in Game One, Miami can stick within earshot and make zig-zag work again. Play Heat

The Heat certainly improved defensively down the stretch once they got over the Himmy Butler trade. But the Cavs can score in waves and only of their bench players made shots in Game 1 (Ty Jerome obviously went off) and Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were tepid offensively and Cavs still hung 120 on them. Heat will make some adjustments but starters going combined -66 has to concern them. Cavs have scored 113+ in 7 straight at home and 15 of the last 20. Donovan Mitchell looks playoff possessed. Cavs averaged 122.7/G at home for season. Yeah, playoffs are different but they also will push pace vs a team that doesn't want to run like that.