Tonight, the NBA’s defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers will be in South Beach for a matchup against the Miami Heat inside American Airlines Arena at 7:30 p.m. EST. After blowing a 26-point fourth quarter lead against the Atlanta Hawks last night in Cleveland, the Cavs will be looking to get back into the win column.
Earlier this morning, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported the Cavs have recalled point guard Kay Felder from their D-League affiliate team, the Canton Charge. That may sound like a fairly routine procedure, but it could also mean that Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue is planning to rest some of his star players against the Heat.
While it is still unclear whether or not it will actually happen, electing to rest players tonight could have an effect on the Cavaliers’ chances of claiming the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Currently, the Cavs, who have just two games remaining in the regular season (including tonight’s bout), are tied with the Boston Celtics for the top spot in the East. With a win tonight, and a Celtics loss, the Cavs can clinch the No. 1 seed in their conference.
Updated playoff scenarios, per #NBA. pic.twitter.com/Wb1uvVMnbJ
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) April 10, 2017