The Cleveland Cavaliers (25-18) travel to Paycom Center Saturday to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder (14-27). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers vs. Thunder odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Cavaliers are entering this game on a three-game winning streak, beating both the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs. This a perfect letdown game for Cleveland as they’re on the second night of a back-to-back and at the tail end of a lengthy road trip.
However, the Cavs, at 28-13-2 ATS, are the best-covering team in the league. They’re just 4-3-1 ATS with no rest. The Thunder are also among the best-covering teams in the league at 27-14 ATS, the second-best record.
The Thunder are also far better at home with a 8-13 record. Having covered six of their last 7, the Thunder are also playing good basketball, most recently beating the Celtics by 21.
Cavaliers at Thunder 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 1:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Cavaliers -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Thunder +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -4.5 (-115) | Thunder +4.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 208.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Cavaliers at Thunder key injuries
Cavaliers
- PG Rajon Rondo (hamstring) questionable
Thunder
- SG Kenrich Williams (illness) out
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Cavaliers at Thunder odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 109, Thunder 103
Money line
PASS on the money line.
The Cavaliers are on their second night of a back-to-back against a team that plays far better at home. Similarly, I wouldn’t bet on the Thunder given their offensive woes and the Cavs defensive strengths.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the CAVALIERS -4.5 (-115).
The Thunder don’t have the size to deal with Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen. Alongside those two lengthy big men, the Cavs have Darius Garland, coming off a 32-point performance.
As for Mobley, he played over 39 minutes last night against the Spurs, so he may get some rest. The depth is there with former All-Star F Kevin Love though.
The Cavaliers have the second-best defense in the NBA as well, and that, coupled with the Thunder’s inability to score consistently, should push the Cavaliers to yet another cover.
Over/Under
BET on the OVER 208.5 (-107).
The Thunder are inconsistent, but they’ve put up 105 or more points in 3 of their last 4 and also put up 118 or more in two straight games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a stud, and given the Cavaliers’ defensive strength resides in their frontcourt, he should manage to get good looks often. The Over has hit in 3 of their last 4.
As for the Cavs, they’ve scored 109 or more in 3 straight, so their offense is clicking as well.
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