NBA Cleveland CavaliersMiami Heat

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat: Preview, Prediction

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By @fanforlife1988

Lebron James, Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers

Getty Images Sport – David Liam Kyle

The Miami Heat come into Christmas Day in an unfamiliar position for them  – with a 13-16 record. The team has unraveled a bit, losers of six of seven at home. More importantly, injuries to big men, Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts, the latter of whom was lost to a season-ending injury, have put the Heat in a very difficult spot. Dwyane Wade has missed plenty of time this season as well, however, when he plays, he’s been electric, averaging 22.8 points and 5.5 assists per game on 51.2 percent shooting from the field.

With all that going on for the Heat, it seems perfect that Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are traveling into town for a Christmas Day showdown. While James and Wade can assure everyone that their friendship is stronger than ever off the court, there will definitely be animosity between the two when they lock down on each other within the game. A stark contrast between the two will be revealed when James is flanked by the likes of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, as part of the new All-Star trio in the Eastern Conference.

However, there will be one member of the Cavaliers supporting cast missing on Christmas. Anderson Varejao was lost for what is likely season-ending surgery on his left Achilles. Varejao is not easily replaced for the Cavaliers on the court, and neither is his presence within the locker room. But as one goes down, another steps up, and in the case of the Cavaliers, they have a young bull in Tristan Thompson to step forward in his new spot.

Comparing the rosters of the Heat and the Cavaliers, after removing Bosh and Varajao, it is hard to deny the talent of the visiting team. With Love’s biggest opposition being Udonis Haslem, the Heat have issues. Wade will have his hands full with a slew of defenders, ranging from Irving and Dion Waiters, to the likes of Shawn Marion, and of course, James.

Let it be known – Lebron James is coming into Miami to not only visit a few old friends during the holidays, but to also reign victorious in a place he has so many times before. But now, as a member of the Cavaliers, James must solidify his decision to depart Miami for a return home to Cleveland. With a purpose at stake, expect James to be on his absolute A-game for this matchup. Miami might be the home team for this game, but whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is still left to be determined.

Final Score: Cavaliers 103, Heat 91

Zach Fetaru is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @fanforlife1988 ”like him” on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.

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