LA Lakers (18-13) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (27-4)
Game Info: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 9:00 pm (Crypto.com Arena)
Betting Odds: LA Lakers +3 / Cleveland Cavaliers -3 --- Over/Under: 227.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Lakers meet Tuesday in NBA action at the crypto.com Arena. Here’s a Cleveland Cavaliers vs LA Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Cleveland Cavaliers vs LA Lakers Pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Warriors and Nuggets, and they play the Mavericks, Hornets, Thunder, and Raptors next. The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 121.5 points on 50.4 percent shooting and allowing 110.9 points on 45.5 percent shooting. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 23.6 points and 4.7 assists, while Darius Garland is averaging 20.6 points and 6.4 assists. Evan Mobley is the third double-digit scorer and Jarrett Allen is grabbing 10 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting 39.9 percent from beyond the arc and 77.9 percent from the free throw line. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 37.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.3 rebounds per game.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers beat the Warriors and Kings, and they play the Trail Blazers, Hawks, and Rockets next. The LA Lakers are averaging 112 points on 47.4 percent shooting and allowing 114.1 points on 47.7 percent shooting. Anthony Davis is averaging 26 points and 11.5 rebounds, while LeBron James is averaging 23.5 points and 7.9 rebounds. Austin Reaves is the third double-digit scorer and Rui Hachimura is grabbing 5.4 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc and 78.4 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 36.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.2 rebounds per game.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs LA Lakers Injury Report
The Cavs will continue to be without Luke Travers and Isaac Okoro. The Lakers will be without Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood. Gabe Vincent, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are questionable for LA. LeBron hasn’t played since Christmas and is battling an illness. Davis has been on the injury report a lot this season but has still played 30 games.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last eight night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Warriors have lost each of their last five home games against Central Division opponents following a win.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in each of their last six games as favorites on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Warriors have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four home games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Jarrett Allen ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for FG% (68.7%) this season.
- Darius Garland ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for FT% (92.5%) this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs LA Lakers Prediction
This game comes down to the status of Davis and LeBron, obviously, as it's not much of a game if LA is down its two best players. However, you'd still have to lean toward the Cavs regardless. Even with the Cavaliers on the end of a back-to-back, they're 28-4 SU and 23-9 ATS on the season. The Cavs continue to rack up the wins and covers and until that stops, you have to keep riding the hot hand. You could also probably get a cheaper number if Davis and LeBron are cleared to play. You should watch the injury report closely before pulling the trigger. Either way, I'm rolling with the Cavs.
Randy’s Pick Cleveland Cavaliers -3
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
