The Cleveland Cavaliers (20-13) travel to Smoothie King Center Tuesday to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (12-22). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers vs. Pelicans odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Cavaliers are the most profitable team in the NBA this season. Against the spread, they have a 25-6-2 record, by far the best in the Association. They’re 2-0 as road favorites.
Cleveland has covered 9 of its last 10. They’ve been so good behind their top-two defense, allowing just 101.4 opponent’s points per game. It’ll be a challenge against the Pelicans with four starters likely sidelined.
The Pelicans, who have star F Brandon Ingram as doubtful, will also more than likely be missing their best couple of players. New Orleans has won four of its last five games.
However, they’re 0-7 this season without Ingram and lost each of those games by more than five.
Cavaliers at Pelicans odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Cavaliers -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Pelicans +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -3.5 (-108) | Pelicans +3.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 211.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Cavaliers at Pelicans key injuries
Cavaliers
- C Jarrett Allen (health and safety protocols) out
- F Evan Mobley (health and safety protocols) out
- F Isaac Okoro (reconditioning) questionable
- G Collin Sexton (knee) out
Pelicans
- G Nickell Alexander-Walker (health and safety protocols) out
- G Josh Hart (ankle) questionable
- F Brandon Ingram (Achilles’) out
- C Jonas Valanciunas (non-Covid illness) probable
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Cavaliers at Pelicans odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 108, Pelicans 102
Money line
PASS on the money line.
There are just too many injuries and absences on both sides for the -240 to feel like a comfortable play. Similarly, without Ingram, I’d pass on banking on an upset.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the CAVALIERS -3.5 (-108). The Cavaliers have had many players step up with Allen and Mobley out.
Ricky Rubio has been terrific this season. With his capabilities coupled with what former All-Star F Kevin Love can do, the Cavaliers will have far more experience and talent.
Both teams are missing players, but the Cavaliers have the depth to supplement what they won’t have. The Pelicans do not, which they’ve already proven when Ingram was sidelined.
The Cavs have the league’s 4th-best net rating while New Orleans ranks 26th. What the Pelicans do best, offensive rebounding, the Cavaliers rank in the top half of the league in preventing.
Overall, I’d trust the Cavaliers more in this scenario as the Pelicans may not have many scoring options.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 211.5 (-107) as the Cavaliers have the league’s second-best defense, and, at the same time, the Pelicans will more than likely be without their only competent scoring option.
Cleveland has been profitable to bet on and so has their Under. With a 12-21 Over/Under record, it’s been far better to fade points in their matchups, and it makes sense to do the same here.
New Orleans is just 14-19-1 on the Over/Under as well, scoring the 27th-most points per game. Their upside without Ingram or Zion Williamson just isn’t there.
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