Tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET on TNT the Cleveland Cavaliers (48-27) will host the Miami Heat (34-40) in a potential preview of an Eastern Conference first-round matchup. Live stream the game free by clicking this link. Cavaliers fans can find the radio broadcast on WTAM 1100, while Heat fans may do likewise on 560 WQAM.
LeBron James recently addressed rumors of his deteriorating relationship with teammate Kevin Love by reiterating that he only has "three best friends" in the NBA. One of the names mentioned was Dwyane Wade, with whom James won two NBA titles and went to four Finals. Tonight though, they won't be friends for the 48 minutes of game time.
James said he's excited to battle Wade and the Heat tonight because it will have a playoff intensity. "Just to go against a champion, a competitor like himself and that franchise. Obviously I'm not there yet, but I am kind of in playoff mentality."
Wade has relished matchups vs. LeBron this season, averaging 31.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists against them in two games. He will need to come up big again, since the Heat are clinging to their playoff position. Right now they sit seventh in the East, but are tied with Brooklyn in terms of their records. Both teams are only a half-game ahead of the Boston Celtics who are charging hard for a postseason berth.
The Heat, behind Wade's big performances, have won both their matchups vs. Cleveland this season. Still, Cavaliers head coach David Blatt said they won't be adding anything new to the mix to get the monkey off their back.
"Still a lot of things that can happen of course on both ends," Blatt said, "so I don't see any particular special preparation for that game."
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