NBA Betting Line Pits Hated LeBron Against Rookie Cav Kyrie Irving

Regardless of where they sit in the standings, any game between the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers will have extra excitement – if not animosity – attached to both it and the NBA betting lines. The fact that these two are both battling for playoff positions makes it that much more important, especially in a shortened season.

LeBron James and the Heat have been the league’s villains ever since “The Decision” and they renew their rivalry this Tuesday as they host the Cavs. Miami took three of four meetings last season, in which James averaged 27.5 points, 8.3 assists and eight boards.

Meanwhile, Cavs first-overall draft pick in 2011, Kyrie Irving, looks like the real deal so far, averaging close to 20 points per game in his rookie season.

The Heat may have the better team, but they’re going into the game with only one day’s rest after a pair of weekend games, while the Cavaliers will have enjoyed a rare two-day break in the schedule.

This game will be a true test for Cleveland as well, to see if they really do have what it takes to compete in the east with the big boys, or whether their early season efforts are just a flash in the pan.

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