The storied return of Jimmy Butler III.
Jimmy is set to face the heat for the first time since their well publicised and messy break up at the trade deadline.
The Warriors have gone an incredible 16-3 with Butler III in the starting lineup, putting them within touching distance of four of the five sides above them in the Western Conference standings.
Jimmy has been a very complimentary piece to put next to Curry and Green, contributing in all facets of the Dubs game, without disrupting their well defined playing style, averaging 17.6 – 6.5 – 6.1 across his 19 games.
One of the major reasons behind Butler’s force trade, was that he felt undervalued by the Heat organisation and Pat Riley in particular.
I dare say Jimmy will enter this game with something to prove, and I can’t see him allowing the Warriors to lose this game.
The Cavs look to steady the ship following a surprising run of defeats.
The Eastern Conference top seed broke a spell of four straight defeats with a victory against easy beats Utah last time out and will be looking to string two W’s together.
They’ll take on a Portland side who had a four-game winning streak ended at home to Boston.
The Trail Blazers have been punching above their weight of late, so much so that they’re in with a sneaky chance of making the Western Conference Play-in bracket.
The Cavs were forced to win in OT against the Trail Blazers in Cleveland two weeks back and could struggle to put them to bed on the road.
I have the home underdogs to cover the generous line.