The Washington Wizards (27-32) visit Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Saturday to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (35-24). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Wizards vs. Cavaliers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Cavaliers are on a path to make the playoffs for the first time since LeBron James left in 2018. However, they’re on a three-game losing streak with the most recent a 106-103 loss at Detroit Thursday.
The Cavs, fifth in the Eastern Conference, return home after a 1-3 road swing. They have been one of the best-covering teams in the NBA with a 34-23-2 against the spread (ATS) record.
With SG Bradley Beal sidelined and likely done for the season, the Wizards have dropped from playoff contenders to 11th in the East. They’re coming off a 4-point (157-153), double OT loss to San Antonio Friday, failing to cover as 3.5-point home underdogs.
The Wiz are just 3-6-1 ATS over their last 10 and 22-35-2 ATS on the season.
Wizards at Cavaliers 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 2:19 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Wizards +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Cavaliers -360 (bet $360 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Wizards +7.5 (-115) | Cavaliers -7.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 204.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Wizards at Cavaliers key injuries
Wizards
- C Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out
Cavaliers
- PG Darius Garland (back) out
- SG Caris LeVert (foot) out
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Wizards at Cavaliers odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 110, Wizards 101
Money line
PASS.
Cleveland hasn’t been the same without Garland in the lineup. However, it is 18-9 at home this season and should come out on top in this one, but at -360, it’s unplayable.
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Against the spread
LEAN to the CAVALIERS +7.5 (-107).
Replacing an All-Star is easier said than done, and it’s a pain both teams are feeling.
Without Garland in the lineup, the Cavs are just 6-6 with losses to Houston, Washington, and Detroit. Without Beal, the Wizards are 10-9.
Washington is the worst road covering team in the NBA at 9-18-1 ATS. Cleveland is the second-best home covering team with a 17-9-1 ATS record.
The Cavaliers have been significantly better at home. With both teams down key scorers, I’d bank on the side with a top-five defense to cover at home – Cleveland ranks fourth in defensive rating.
Over/Under
BET OVER 204.5 (-110).
The Cavaliers are coming off a game in which they allowed 106 points to the Pistons, who rank 29th in true-shooting rate. The Wizards are 14th in TS% and may see similar success against a Cavs defense missing Garland and LeVert.
The Wizards have hit the Over in two straight and five of their last seven.
The Cavaliers’ success at covering the Under at home is baked into this line as well. Cleveland pushed with a 209 O/U in its 106-103 loss to Detroit.
The Wizards and Cavs respectively rank 22nd and 25th in pace as well.
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