Game #31: Miami Heat (23-7) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (11-16)

The Miami Heat will conclude their 6-game road trip tonight when they face-off with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The hot topic leading up to this game is LeBron James and his comments on Thursday about possibly returning to Cleveland before his career is over. He commented after Miami's practice that he would be open to a return, but he also said that he is very happy playing for the Heat.

Regardless of his comments, James still isn't likely to get a warm reception from Cavs fans, though I'm sure this game wont compare to when he made his first appearance back in Cleveland last season. LeBron put on a show that night, scoring 38 points in a game that Miami won 118-90. The Heat didn't fare as well in James' second game back, losing 102-90 despite a triple-double from LeBron.

Right now the Heat are probably as hot as they've been all season. They became the first team in 31 years to win three road games on three consecutive nights. They also became the first team in 41 years to win three road games on three nights by double figures. They are on a nice four-game win streak, with all four wins coming on the road.

Cleveland is glad to have their star rookie Kyrie Irving back in the lineup. Irving missed three games after suffering a concussion when the Heat beat the Cavs in Miami last week. The rookie banged his head into the knee of Miami's Dwyane Wade after putting up 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. When he returned to the Cavs lineup on Wednesday he scored 22 points in a win against Indiana.

GAME NOTES

• Miami is 11-5 on the road. Cleveland is 6-7 at home.
• The Heat have won 15 of their last 18 games.
• This is the third and final meeting of the season between Miami and Cleveland. So far the Heat have won both contests.
• During the Heat's four game win streak, they have held their opponents to 90.5 points on 39.8% shooting.
• Miami has won five of their last six meetings with the Cavaliers.
• The Heat list Mario Chalmers (hand) as probable and Dexter Pittman (shoulder) as questionable.
• As for Cleveland, guard Daniel Gibson (ankle) is doubtful. Center Anderson Varejao (wrist) and guard Anthony Parker (back) are out.

Tipoff from ‘The Q' is set for 7:30. The game will be broadcast locally on Sun Sports.