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The Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0) and Washington Wizards (0-1) meet Saturday at Capital One Arena with tip-off set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Cavaliers vs. Wizards odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Cleveland swept 4-0 last season
The Cavaliers are coming off a cover as 10.5-point favorites in a 113-101 victory over the visiting Detroit Pistons with the Under (224) hitting.
Cleveland showcased a balanced attack, with all 5 starters scoring double figures. F Dean Wade and G Donovan Mitchell led with 19 points apiece, while C Jarrett Allen posted his first double-double of the season, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Wizards fell short in their season opener, losing 122-102 to the defending champion Boston Celtics and failing to cover as 14-point home underdogs. The Under (231) cashed.
G Jordan Poole led Washington with 26 points, but rookie F Alexandre Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, had a rough debut, scoring just 2 points on 1-of-7 shooting. Washington’s struggles from 3-point range were evident, shooting just 7 for 36 (19.4%).
Cavaliers at Wizards odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 2:37 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Wizards +340 (bet $100 to win $340)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -9.5 (-110) | Wizards +9.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Cavaliers at Wizards key injuries
Cavaliers
- G Max Strus (ankle) out
Wizards
- G Saddiq Bey (knee) out
- G Malcolm Brogdon (thumb) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Cavaliers at Wizards picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 124, Wizards 111
Moneyline
PASS.
I’m taking the Cavaliers (-450) to win and cover, as they’ve won 9 of the last 10 meetings. Instead of betting nearly 5 units to win just 1, though, focus on the spread. The Cavaliers should secure a comfortable victory.
Against the spread
BET CAVALIERS -9.5 (-110).
The Cavaliers, despite missing Strus, have hit the ground running this season and are 9.5-point favorites against the Wizards, who are without Brogdon and Bey.
Even with Poole’s standout game in their last outing, the Wizards were unable to keep up and faced a significant loss.
The Cavaliers are clearly the superior team, displaying great chemistry and performance thus far. I expect them to continue their winning streak with a solid victory, comfortably covering the spread against a struggling Wizards squad.
Over/Under
BET OVER 229.5 (-110).
Taking the Over makes sense given both teams’ playing styles. Last season, Washington struggled with 3-point shooting, but frequently launched attempts from Poole and F Kyle Kuzma. Its young lineup led the NBA in pace while finishing last in defensive rating, leading to numerous high-scoring affairs.
On the other hand, Cleveland boasts a formidable frontcourt with Allen and F Evan Mobley, who are ready to dominate inside. With the expected fast pace and offensive opportunities, this game should easily surpass the projected total.
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