2 min read • March 11, 2022
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The Heat star SF is dealing with a sinus congestion and is listed as questionable for the second game in a row after missing the last Miami game. Cleveland will be without All-Star C Jarrett Allen for just the second game after he fractured his finger Sunday in a win versus the Raptors.
Heat SIC Health Score: 84.9
The Heat will go into the matchup as the number one seed in the Eastern conference and hold a 23-8 record at home where they will be hooping tonight. The big concern is star Jimmy Butler (FD $7,800) who is dealing with sinus congestion that prevented him from suiting up last time out.
It is highly unusual for one to miss multiple games due to sinus congestion meaning we expect the two-way forward to play and not be hampered by the illness. In 109 games in his career with 2 days rest, Butler averages 16.3 points per game, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
This is his lowest stat line compared to playing with 0, 1 or 3+ days of rest.
Another knock at the SF position is Caleb Martin who has nursed an achilles issue all season and will now miss time due to a left knee injury. If Butler minutes are reduced or he surprisingly can’t go, the small forward position will be a problem spot on Friday. Expect utility man Max Strus (FD $3,700) to play more than his usual 23 minutes and could drop a double digit effort with Martin sidelined.
Cavaliers SIC Health Score: 70.8
The Cleveland basketball team has surprised many this season with most expecting them to be a non-contender. They have continued to shot up the standings sitting at 6th in the Eastern Conference, just above the play-in tournament cutoff line. They have done this all the while dealing with injuries to Collin Sexton (knee), Ricky Rubio (ACL), Caris Lavert (foot), Lauri Markkanen (ankle), Darius Garland (back) and now C Jarret Allen (finger).
Allen loss is the most recent and may hurt the most as he has been instrumental to their rise this season specifically on defense where he averages 1.4 blocks a game. Without him last matchup, the Cavaliers gave up 124 points on defense which is the fourth most they have allowed in a game this season.
With the big man out, expect rookie phenom Evan Mobley (FD $8,700) to slide over to center and continue his solid run to what appears to be an eventual NBA Rookie of the year award. He will be asked to do more on the offensive end with Allen out and has all the tools to excel as showed by his 22-point effort last game.
A big boon for their guard depth is the return of Rajan Rondo (FD $3,800) who will play in his second game since missing time due to a toe issue. With Butler likely playing, the health advantage is significant with Allen out:
Evan Mobley O14.5 Points, O9.5 Rebounds
O210 Total Points
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