LeBron won two NBA championships and reached two other finals in his four years in Miami. (Photo credit: Keith Allison / iWoman / CC BY-SA)
Miami’s American Airlines Arena will be charged with energy on Christmas Day.
That’s when LeBron James makes his return to Miami since leaving the Heat to rejoin the Cavaliers. The NBA betting lines have yet to be posted for that game, but Cleveland should be a small favourite.
The first time players return to cities they once starred in can be difficult to handicap.
The returning player is determined to win and prove leaving wasn’t a mistake, but sometimes they can put too much pressure on themselves.
The team the player left is determined to show that leaving was a mistake.
The returning player’s team can be extra determined to win for their new teammate as well, especially if the player is popular.
The fans can be a factor too, feeling they were betrayed or weren’t good enough for the player to stay.
Or they may understand why the player left and simply be grateful for the time he spent in their city, receiving him warmly.
It will be interesting to see the type of return LeBron gets in Miami.
Dwyane Wade has already urged the fans to cheer LeBron for the good times he brought to South Beach. The Heat plans to show a video tribute to James. All of this will be before the game begins, however.
“When the game (starts), then do what you’ve got to do,” Wade told the fans.
Who has the motivational edge?
If anyone has anything to prove in this game, we think it’s the Miami Heat.
LeBron spent four great years in Miami, bringing the Heat two championships and two other appearances in the Finals. Miami owes him nothing. He left the Heat to return to his hometown Cavaliers.
The Heat players are the ones who should feel jaded. LeBron came to Miami talking about winning not one, not two, not three, not four championships. Instead, he left after winning just two, suggesting he doesn’t feel the players around him were good enough to remain a dynasty.
Look for the Miami Heat to be especially jacked up to face King James, and we won’t be surprised if the Heat pulls off the upset.
For the best NBA betting lines on all the Christmas Day games, be sure to check out Pinnacle Sports.