Miami Heat Defeat Cleveland Cavaliers 120-103
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Miami Heat 120, Cleveland Cavaliers 103, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Miami Heat beat Cleveland Cavaliers 120-103 at Rocket Arena on March 25, 2026.
Who was favored in Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The underdog won.
The Miami Heat secured a decisive 120-103 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena, marking a significant win in their ongoing series, which they now lead 3-1. This matchup was notable not only for the outcome but also for the contrasting recent forms of both teams. The Cavaliers entered the game with a strong home record of 45-28 and had been performing well, winning seven of their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. They averaged 116.1 points scored and allowed 111.6 points during this stretch. However, their recent form at home was less impressive, with a record of 2-2 in their last four home games.
In contrast, the Miami Heat had been struggling, losing their last five games and posting a record of 5-5 in their last ten. They averaged 121.9 points scored but allowed 122.4 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. The Heat's away record was particularly concerning, as they had only won one of their last three away games. Despite these struggles, Miami's scoring ability remained a threat, as evidenced by their recent performances.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the teams had faced each other five times in the current season, with the Cavaliers winning two of those encounters. The most recent meeting prior to this game saw the Heat winning 130-116 on November 13, 2025, showcasing their ability to compete effectively against Cleveland.
Injury concerns loomed large for the Heat, with several key players listed as day-to-day. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Trevor Keels, Ryan Conwell, and Myron Gardner were all dealing with various injuries, which could have impacted the team's performance. Despite this, Miami managed to pull off a strong showing against the Cavaliers.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 243.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but the outcome clearly defied expectations as the Heat not only covered the spread but also won convincingly.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-scoring affair, and the Heat capitalized on this, especially in the fourth quarter. Key scoring plays included a three-point jumper from James Harden and a series of free throws from Pelle Larsson, which helped to extend Miami's lead. The Heat's ability to execute in critical moments was evident, particularly with a highlight alley-oop dunk from Kel'el Ware, assisted by Bam Adebayo.
As the game progressed, the Cavaliers struggled to keep pace, ultimately falling behind by as much as 17 points in the fourth quarter. Miami's offensive efficiency was on full display, allowing them to maintain control and secure the victory.
Overall, this game showcased the Heat's resilience despite their recent struggles, while the Cavaliers will need to regroup and address their defensive issues moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -2.5 | 243.5 o -105 / u -115 | Miami Heat +124 · Cleveland Cavaliers -148 |
Injury report
- Giannis AntetokounmpoDay-To-DayKneeMiami Heat
- Bam AdebayoDay-To-DayBackMiami Heat
- Trevor KeelsDay-To-DayKneeMiami Heat
- Ryan ConwellDay-To-DayHipMiami Heat
- Myron GardnerDay-To-DayAnkleMiami Heat
Leaders
- PointsDonovan Mitchell28Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsJames Harden7Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsJames Harden9Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsNorman Powell19Miami Heat
- AssistsBam Adebayo7Miami Heat
- ReboundsKel'el Ware11Miami Heat
Recent form
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W3116.1 scored · 111.6 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W111-106at New Orleans PelicansMar 21
- W115-110at Chicago BullsMar 20
- W123-116at Milwaukee BucksMar 18
- L120-130vs Dallas MavericksMar 15
- W138-105at Dallas MavericksMar 13
- L122-128at Orlando MagicMar 11
- W115-101vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 9
- L98-109vs Boston CelticsMar 8
- W113-109vs Detroit PistonsMar 4
- W106-102at Brooklyn NetsMar 1
Miami Heat
Last 10: 5-5Streak L5121.9 scored · 122.4 allowed per game1-2 away
- L111-136vs San Antonio SpursMar 23
- L122-123at Houston RocketsMar 22
- L126-134vs Los Angeles LakersMar 20
- L106-136at Charlotte HornetsMar 17
- L117-121vs Orlando MagicMar 15
- W112-105vs Milwaukee BucksMar 12
- W150-129vs Washington WizardsMar 10
- W121-110vs Detroit PistonsMar 8
- W128-120at Charlotte HornetsMar 7
- W126-110vs Brooklyn NetsMar 6
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Miami Heat | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 42-81 | 35-81 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 18-45 | 12-37 |
| Three-point % | 40 | 32 |
| Free throws | 18-22 | 21-24 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 35 | 32 |
| Assists | 31 | 26 |
| Steals | 11 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 44 |
| Fouls | 17 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 21 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 94 | 2 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter79-70Bam Adebayo makes 26-foot three pointer (Jaime Jaquez Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-72Donovan Mitchell makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter81-72Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter81-74Thomas Bryant makes driving layup (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-74Bam Adebayo makes 7-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter83-77James Harden makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-80Donovan Mitchell makes 24-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter83-83Donovan Mitchell makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter85-83Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter85-86Keon Ellis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter88-86Tyler Herro makes 32-foot three point step back jumpshot (Kel'el Ware assists)
- 4th Quarter88-88Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes reverse layup (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter88-89Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-90Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-90Pelle Larsson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter93-90Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler Herro assists)
- 4th Quarter95-90Tyler Herro makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Jaime Jaquez Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter95-91James Harden makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter95-92James Harden makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter95-93James Harden makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter97-93Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes dunk (Kel'el Ware assists)
- 4th Quarter97-95Thomas Bryant makes 10-foot floating jump shot (Sam Merrill assists)
- 4th Quarter100-95Kel'el Ware makes 28-foot three point jumper (Jaime Jaquez Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter101-95Pelle Larsson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-95Pelle Larsson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-95Norman Powell makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-96Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-96Pelle Larsson makes 29-foot three point jumper (Bam Adebayo assists)
- 4th Quarter107-98Donovan Mitchell makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter109-98Bam Adebayo makes driving layup (Kel'el Ware assists)
- 4th Quarter110-98Bam Adebayo makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter112-98Kel'el Ware makes running layup (Norman Powell assists)
- 4th Quarter113-98Pelle Larsson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-98Pelle Larsson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-101James Harden makes 24-foot three point jumper (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter114-102Dennis Schroder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-103Dennis Schroder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-103Kel'el Ware makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Bam Adebayo assists)
- 4th Quarter118-103Davion Mitchell makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter120-103Norman Powell makes 1-foot running dunk (Davion Mitchell assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours Miami Heat.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsCourtney Kirkland, Kevin Cutler, Matt Kallio
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- Cavaliers Dominate Heat in High-Scoring EncounterMar 27, 2026
- Cavaliers Defeat Heat in High-Scoring ShowdownNov 12, 2025
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