The Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1) host the Washington Wizards (2-0) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Sunday. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (NBATV). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Wizards vs. Cavaliers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Cavaliers are coming into this game following their 1st win of the season on Saturday night, a 126-98 victory against the Chicago Bulls. They lost their season opener 108-105 to the Toronto Raptors.
Cleveland’s star G Darius Garland left in the first half against the Raptors with an eye injury and isn’t likely to play Sunday. Offseason addition G Donovan Mitchell has picked up the slack, averaging 31 points per game through the first 2 games.
As for the Wizards, although 29-year-old G Bradley Beal has averaged over 30 points per game in 2 seasons, it is F Kyle Kuzma who is averaging a team-high 24 points per game.
Washington opened its season with a 114-107 win over the Indiana Pacers on the road. It has also taken down the Bulls, beating Chicago 102-100 on Friday.
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Wizards at Cavaliers odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:21 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Wizards +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Cavaliers -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Wizards +3.5 (-105) | Cavaliers -3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Wizards at Cavaliers key injuries
Wizards
- None
Cavaliers (Not released yet)
- G Darius Garland (eye) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Wizards at Cavaliers picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 108, Wizards 104
Moneyline
PASS.
The Cavaliers’ defense combined with Mitchell’s offensive prowess is a lethal combination, and the Wizards, especially Beal who is shooting 58% from the field, will be tested more than against Chicago or Indiana.
Against the spread
LEAN CAVALIERS -3.5 (-115).
The Cavaliers have length defenders in F Evan Mobley and C Jarrett Allen that should be able to disrupt Beal and Kuzma. Also, the Wizards’ strength of schedule so far hasn’t been there.
They shot 9.5% better from the field and 12.6% better from deep against the Bulls and still only won by 2 points. Against the Cavaliers, who were the 5th-best defensive team in the league last season, Washington should struggle.
Washington was 12-18-1 ATS as a road dog last season.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 217.5 (-112).
The Wizards shot 51.3% from the field against the Bulls and put up 104 points. Kuzma and Beal both seem to prefer the half-court style of play and excel in isolation as well.
With a solid defense in Cleveland, and also a Cavaliers offense that sat 20th in the NBA in offensive rating last season, expect a sloppy game for both teams.
Both teams also sit outside the top half of the league in offensive rebounding rate, so additional opportunities may come at a premium.
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