The Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2) continue their five-game road trip with their second-straight game in Tinseltown to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (2-3) Friday. Tip-off from Staples Center is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Cavaliers have won three straight, including the first two games of their road trip, after dropping two high-scoring affairs to start the season. Cleveland has allowed only 87 points per game during the win streak and has seven players with an average of 10 or more points per game (PPG) on the season, led by G Collin Sexton at 20.4 PPG.
The Lakers kick off a four-game homestand Friday. They lost 123-115 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road last time out but had won their two previous games. Five players are scoring in double digits, led by F Anthony Davis at 28.4 PPG. F LeBron James is averaging 26.0 PPG.
Cavaliers at Lakers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:07 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Cavaliers +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Lakers -380 (bet $380 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers +7.5 (-107) | Lakers -7.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Cavaliers at Lakers key injuries
Cavaliers
- SF Isaac Okoro (hamstring) out
Lakers
- F Trevor Ariza (ankle) out
- F Anthony Davis (knee) probable
- G Wayne Ellington (hamstring) questionable
- F LeBron James (ankle) questionable
- G Rajon Rondo (ankle) questionable
Cavaliers at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 97, Lakers 94
Money line
I am really starting to buy into the Cavs. Their defense in recent games, all against playoff teams from last season, has been fantastic. They have shut down high-scoring teams, and the Lakers don’t quite have a complete rhythm going.
Cleveland has won its last three games and is rested after beating the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center Wednesday.
Take the CAVALIERS (+290).
Against the spread
The Cavs are now 3-2 ATS on the season and have been underdogs in every game this season, making them 3-2 ATS as underdogs.
The Lakers have been the worst team to bet against the spread this season. They are 1-4 ATS and have the fourth-lowest ATS differential at -6.3; the Cavs are second-best at +9.0.
I expect an outright Cleveland win, so if you aren’t as confident in a Cavs win, take CAVS +7.5 (-107) for the cover.
Over/Under
None of the Cavaliers’ last three games have even gone over 200 total points.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have had four of five games this season hit the Over.
However, as mentioned, I’m buying the Cavs’ recent defensive prowess.
The Lakers have not been held to less than 105 points this season, but I think it happens Friday.
Take UNDER 221.5 (-107).
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