The Cavaliers vs Heat matchup brings meaningful NBA Cup stakes to Miami on Friday night as Cleveland visits the Kaseya Center in East Group B play.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Cleveland enters the game at 6-6 overall and 1-0 in NBA Cup group play, while Miami is 5-6 and also opened the Cup portion of its schedule with a win.
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Cavaliers vs Heat carries early NBA Cup importance
The Cavaliers can strengthen their position in the group with another victory, while the Heat are trying to protect their home court and improve their standing in a tightly packed section.
Cleveland owns a four-point advantage over Miami in group-play point differential entering Friday’s contest, according to the Cavaliers’ official game preview.
That margin could become important later in the competition if teams finish level in the standings and advance-or-eliminate decisions require further tiebreakers.
The game is also part of a demanding stretch for Cleveland, which played the New York Knicks on Wednesday before travelling to Miami and then returning home to face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.
Injuries shape the matchup
Evan Mobley is listed as out for Cleveland with a toe injury, removing one of the team’s most important interior defenders and frontcourt playmakers from the matchup.
Sam Merrill is also out with an elbow issue, while Nae’Qwan Tomlin is unavailable because of a back injury, according to the team’s official report.
Mobley’s absence places added pressure on Jarrett Allen and the Cavaliers’ remaining big men to handle Miami’s size, rebounding and attacks around the basket.
Miami’s most significant injury question involves Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is listed as probable with a right wrist sprain.
Klay Thompson is listed as questionable because of an ankle issue, while Pelle Larsson is questionable with an illness.
Antetokounmpo’s availability could have a major effect on the game’s physical balance, particularly with Cleveland missing Mobley.
What Cleveland needs from its offence
The Cavaliers arrive after a 115-107 road win over New York in which James Harden scored a season-best 32 points.
Harden shot 9-for-14 from the field and made five of his seven three-point attempts in that win, giving Cleveland an efficient scoring performance at the start of its back-to-back.
Tyrese Proctor and Meleek Thomas also provided important bench production against the Knicks, scoring 15 and 14 points respectively.
Cleveland will likely need a similarly balanced effort in Miami, especially if Mobley remains unavailable and the Cavaliers have to compensate with additional perimeter scoring.
Donovan Mitchell remains another central part of the offensive equation, although the team’s recent win showed that Cleveland can receive meaningful contributions beyond its leading perimeter players.
Miami’s key questions
The Heat will look to use home-court advantage and test Cleveland’s defensive depth in the frontcourt.
If Antetokounmpo is cleared to play, his ability to attack the rim, create transition opportunities and draw defensive attention would give Miami a powerful matchup advantage.
If he is limited or ruled out, the Heat would face greater responsibility to create efficient offence through their remaining rotation, particularly with Thompson’s status also unsettled.
Miami enters the contest with a group-play point differential of plus-20, only four points behind Cleveland’s mark.
Game details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat |
| Date | Friday, November 13, 2026 |
| Start time | 8 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Kaseya Center, Miami |
| Competition | NBA Cup group play, East Group B |
| Cleveland record | 6-6 overall, 1-0 in group play |
| Miami record | 5-6 overall, 1-0 in group play |
The Cavaliers’ official preview lists DAZN-CLE as the Cleveland broadcast option, with radio coverage on 100.7 WMMS, WTAM 1100 and La Mega 1300.
The NBA’s official game listing identifies the contest as an Emirates NBA Cup East Group B game at Kaseya Center.
After Friday’s game, Cleveland returns home to host Dallas on Saturday night, while Miami is scheduled to face Detroit at home.
The next regular-season meeting between the Cavaliers and Heat is scheduled for November 29 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Cavaliers play the Heat?
Cleveland visits Miami on Friday, November 13, 2026, with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Where is Cavaliers vs Heat being played?
The game is being played at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
Is Cavaliers centre Evan Mobley playing?
Evan Mobley is listed as out for Cleveland with a toe injury.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing for Miami?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable with a right wrist sprain, meaning his final availability remains subject to confirmation.
What competition is Cavaliers vs Heat part of?
The matchup is an Emirates NBA Cup group-play game in East Group B.
Fact-Checked: Key game, schedule and injury details were checked against official NBA and Cleveland Cavaliers information.
Disclaimer: Injury designations and broadcast details can change before tipoff, so readers should confirm final updates through the NBA or team’s official channels.