The Miami Heat face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a crucial first-round Game 4 of the playoffs. With the series momentum at stake, this matchup could play a pivotal role in shaping both teams’ postseason hopes.

Haywood Highsmith #24 of the Miami Heat reacts during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on April 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Heat 121-112.
© Jason Miller/Getty ImagesHaywood Highsmith #24 of the Miami Heat reacts during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on April 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Heat 121-112.

The Miami Heat entered the postseason under surprising circumstances. Their regular season had been marked by inconsistency and instability.

Even though they advanced to the playoffs, they faced a tough opponent right away. The Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the best teams this year, stood in their way. As a result, the difference in level has been clear. Erik Spoelstra’s Heat have not won a game so far.

On the other side, the Cleveland Cavaliers have continued to dominate with their defensive consistency with an impressive Evan Mobley.

Moreover, their offense has stepped up when it mattered most. In the last NBA game, four players scored at least 17 points, showing great balance. Donovan Mitchell led the way, dropping 30 points in each of the first two games. His offensive skills have clearly made a difference.

Heat Nation on X: "Bam Adebayo: "A lot of people be like, 'Nah, I don't wanna play defense. I just wanna go play offense 'cause it's fun.' It's funner than getting stops.

The Cavaliers have clearly outplayed the Heat. However, all is not lost for Miami. Erik Spoelstra must tighten the defense, and Tyler Herro needs to regain his offensive form.

If both happen, the Heat could secure a win in Game 4. Moreover, this game is crucial for both teams and could completely change the course of the series.

What happens if the Heat beat the Cavaliers?

The Miami Heat must beat the Cleveland Cavaliers to force a Game 5 and stay alive in the playoffs. They still have a chance to reach the conference semifinals if they extend the series. Therefore, winning Game 4 is essential to avoid an early elimination without even securing at least one victory.

Bam Adebayo and Evan Mobley playing a playoff game

Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat throws a pass against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 26, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

However, a win in Game 4 would not guarantee their place in the next round. They would also need to win Games 5 and 6 to tie the series. Only then could they push it to a decisive Game 7, where the winner would be determined.

What happens if the Heat and the Cavaliers tie in the Game 4?

If the Heat and Cavaliers tie the game 4, they will go to overtime. There, the winner will be decided. This would be the first overtime of the series, as Cleveland has consistently dominated Erik Spoelstra’s team. Therefore, reaching overtime would be a pleasant surprise.

What happens if the Heat lose to the Cavaliers?

If the Miami Heat lose Game 4 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, their playoff run will officially end. It would mark a disappointing finish to a turbulent season.

Erik Spoelstra lost star forward Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors and had to integrate Andrew Wiggins into the lineup with little time.

Wiggins, who arrived to help fill the void left by Butler, has failed to deliver in the postseason. The former Warriors standout has not scored more than 14 points in any of the first three games.

 Fans feel frustrated after watching Butler excel with Golden State. Meanwhile, questionable front office decisions have increased the pressure on Spoelstra. He now faces mounting criticism for the Heat’s inconsistency throughout the year.