Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat: NBA playoffs schedule, scores, how to watch, times, TV channel, streaming.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and the Miami Heat, the No. 8 seed, face off in a first-round NBA playoffs series.

The series is a best-of-seven, with the Cavaliers hosting Game 1, Game 2, Game 5 (if necessary) and Game 7 (if necessary). The Heat will host Game 3, Game 4 and Game 6 (if necessary).

Here's how to watch the NBA playoff first-round series, with game dates, times, TV channels and streaming information.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Playoffs Preview: Who wins the Series, Predictions

No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18) vs. No. 8 Miami (37-45)

Season series: Cavaliers, 2-1.

Story line: It’s the classic — offense vs. defense. Cleveland was the highest-scoring team in the NBA this season and Miami finished seventh-best this season in points allowed. The Heat surely will feel like they have nothing to lose, after winning two elimination games — both on the road — just to get to Round 1. They’re the seventh team in the last 35 years to have a record of 37-45 (or worse) and make the playoffs. The Cavaliers have been atop the East all season, yet still aren’t the favorite to win the conference title. That’ll put a chip on the shoulder of a 64-win team.

Key matchup: Donovan Mitchell vs. Tyler Herro. Both elite guards, both elite scorers, both the leaders of their teams. Mitchell doesn’t need huge numbers to win the series. Herro doesn’t either, but must be effective for the Heat to have a chance at the upset.

Prediction: Cavaliers in 6.