The NBA playoffs are heating up as we head into Monday’s fixtures, with pivotal games on the slate that could have a profound impact on the first-round series. The Cleveland Cavaliers aim to close out their series against the Miami Heat after delivering a dominant Game 3 performance, while the Golden State Warriors seek to tighten their grip on the Houston Rockets, even as injuries threaten to disrupt their momentum. With stakes soaring and pressure mounting, fans are in for a thrilling evening of basketball drama. Let’s dive into the previews.
Cleveland at Miami
Match Info
- NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference First Round
- Monday 28th April 2025 – 19:30 EST / 00:30 BST (29th April)
- Kaseya Center, Miami, USA
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have approached this first-round series with clinical precision, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead over the Miami Heat. Coach Kenny Atkinson’s focus on managing player fitness and preserving energy for deeper playoff runs has paid dividends, particularly after the Cavaliers steamrolled the Heat 124-87 in Game 3. Despite being without Darius Garland and a below-par performance from Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s squad depth shone through, with Jarrett Allen, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus all delivering standout performances. The Cavaliers understand that closing out a series swiftly can be crucial, particularly to avoid fatigue ahead of potential showdowns with tougher opponents in the later rounds. However, Atkinson has warned against complacency, recognising Miami’s pedigree and expecting a fierce resistance in Game 4.
Miami Heat
For the Miami Heat, the situation is desperate yet familiar. Their catastrophic Game 3 defeat – the largest postseason loss in franchise history – exposed glaring weaknesses, but coach Erik Spoelstra remains convinced in his team’s resilience. Bam Adebayo, who led Miami’s efforts with 22 points and nine rebounds, remains defiant, drawing on past experiences where the Heat fought back from similarly grim situations. Miami will need to find a spark and muster incredible fortitude to extend the series, with history starkly against teams trying to recover from a 3-0 deficit. Their early energy in Game 3 proved they can challenge Cleveland, but sustaining that level across four quarters is another matter altogether.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Cleveland Cavaliers to win
Given Cleveland’s depth, balance, and current momentum, they are strongly favoured to complete the sweep. Miami may come out fighting, but the Cavaliers have the tools and experience to see this series off without unnecessary drama.
America Bet Score Prediction
Cleveland 112 – 98 Miami
Expect a more competitive contest than Game 3, but Cleveland’s superior firepower and defensive stability should prove decisive.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Cleveland Cavaliers to win
- Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5 Handicap
- Total Points Over 209.5
- Jarrett Allen Over 17.5 Points
- Evan Mobley Over 7.5 Rebounds
- Donovan Mitchell Over 2.5 Three-Pointers Made
- Bam Adebayo Over 22.5 Points
- Max Strus Over 14.5 Points
- First Half Winner – Cleveland Cavaliers
- Cleveland Cavaliers to win by 11-15 Points
Houston at Golden State
Match Info
- NBA Playoffs – Western Conference First Round
- Monday 28th April 2025 – 22:00 EST / 03:00 BST (29th April)
- Chase Center, San Francisco, USA
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are left ruing missed opportunities after allowing a critical Game 3 to slip away. Holding a slender lead entering the fourth quarter, the Rockets could not withstand Golden State’s late surge, led by an imperious Stephen Curry. Despite spirited performances from Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun, inconsistencies continue to plague Houston’s young core. Jalen Green’s shooting woes have been particularly damaging, with the explosive guard struggling to replicate his Game 2 heroics. While Houston have shown flashes of potential, their inability to maintain intensity and discipline against battle-hardened playoff opponents has been their undoing thus far. They will need to be at their best – and then some – to keep their postseason hopes alive in Game 4.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State’s championship DNA was on full display in Game 3 as they overcame adversity to take a 2-1 series lead. With star man Jimmy Butler sidelined through injury, it was left to Stephen Curry to shoulder the load – and the two-time MVP delivered masterfully, climbing into the NBA’s all-time top ten postseason scorers. The Warriors’ bench also made a significant impact, with Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II providing critical contributions. Whether Butler returns for Game 4 remains uncertain, but even without him, the Warriors have demonstrated they have the depth and savvy to grind out wins. Coach Steve Kerr will be eager to press home their advantage and avoid handing any momentum back to the Rockets.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Golden State Warriors to win
With or without Butler, Golden State’s experience and Curry’s red-hot form make them the favourites. Houston have yet to show they can sustain a full 48-minute effort against the Warriors’ intensity.
America Bet Score Prediction
Houston 104 – 117 Golden State
Expect another spirited effort from the Rockets early on, but Golden State’s relentless offence and playoff pedigree should allow them to pull away in the second half.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Golden State Warriors to win
- Golden State Warriors -8.5 Handicap
- Stephen Curry Over 29.5 Points
- Stephen Curry Over 4.5 Three-Pointers Made
- Buddy Hield Over 12.5 Points
- Alperen Sengun Over 10.5 Rebounds
- Fred VanVleet Over 1.5 Steals
- Jalen Green Under 17.5 Points
- Golden State Warriors to Score Over 115 Points
- Golden State Warriors Winning Margin 11-15 Points
