Miami Heat: 5 Bold Predictions vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

5. Whiteside Blocks 10 Shots

Hassan Whiteside has had his run-ins with head coach Erik Spoelstra this season, as his maturity issues have reared their ugly head a couple of times. But, there is no denying that he has begun getting things together, and has accepted his role off the bench. Earlier in the season, or last year, this is something that probably would have not sat well with Whiteside, but he has accepted the role and everyone is benefitting because of it.

With the second unit, Whiteside is more of a factor offensively. With the starting unit he was probably the last option offensively as the Heat have a number of players that like the ball in their hands. But, with the second unit. Whiteside does not have has much competition for shots. In addition to the added opportunities offensively, Whiteside is still providing a strong presence in the paint blocking shots and altering shots.

In addition to leading the Heat in rebounds with 11.8 per game, he is also averaging a team-high 3.8 blocks per game, which leads the NBA. Against the Cavaliers that presence will be on full display, as Whiteside will patrol the paint and control it for the Heat.

Without much of a presence in the paint from the Cavaliers, Whiteside will do whatever he wants in the paint, including blocking a number of shots. Whiteside will block at least 10 shots, putting him in position to triple-double with blocks for the fourth time this season.

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