Cleveland Cavaliers (31-4) vs Oklahoma City Thunder (30-5)
Game Info: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse)
Betting Odds: Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5 -- Over/Under: 227.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been on fire as they've won 15 of their last 16 games overall and they will be eager to build on their current 10-game win streak after blowing past the Celtics in a 105-92 statement win on Sunday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists on 11 of 23 shooting, Aaron Wiggins added 15 points off the bench while Luguentz Dort chipped in with 14 points. As a team, the Thunder shot 44 percent from the field and 16 of 38 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Celtics in the first half and fell behind by 13 points. The Thunder flipped the script and restricted the Celtics to just 27 points in the second half to come away with an impressive comeback win at home. The Thunder will meet the Knicks and Wizards after this game.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been on a tear as they've reeled off 14 wins in their past 15 games and they will be gunning for an 11th straight victory after taking down the Hornets in a 115-105 win on Sunday. Darius Garland led the team with 25 points on eight of 14 shooting, Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell each scored 19 points while Evan Mobley chipped in with 17 points. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 47 percent from the field and 15 of 43 from the 3-point line as they jumped all over the Hornets from the start and built a 24-point lead. The Cavs took their foot off the gas and rested some starters early. The Cavs will face the Raptors following this one.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last 11 night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Thunder have lost four of their last five games against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in each of their last seven night games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games after winning as underdogs.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last 10 road games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Cavaliers have lost each of their last six night games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last eight road games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of the Cavaliers' last 10 home games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Thunder's last seven Wednesday games as underdogs has gone OVER the total points line.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Thunder are still missing a host of players including Chet Holmgren, Alex Ducas, and Alex Caruso, while the Cavaliers are keeping an eye on Sam Merrill and Isaac Okoro who are both questionable at the moment. Win streak meets win streak as two of the hottest teams collide in what could be one of the games of the season. You really can't say enough about how well these teams have been playing this season, and I'm not surprised at all at the short line in this one. It's hard to split these two teams, but while the Cavaliers have looked like the more complete and balanced team, the Thunder are just too tempting as the underdogs in this one.
Peter’s Pick Oklahoma City +2.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
