| MATCHUP | New Orleans Pelicans | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 8-22 | 16-14 |
| Spread | +9.5 -110 | -9.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +300 | -380 |
| Total | Over 244.5 (-110) | Under 244.5 (-110) |
| Where | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH | |
| When | Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EST | |
| TV | FanDuel SN OH | |
The New Orleans Pelicans invade the Rocket Arena to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. Here’s a New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction. This article will include a New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans really struggled to get going this season as they lost 22 of their first 25 games, but they are suddenly on a five-game win streak after sneaking past the Mavericks in a 119-113 win on Monday. Zion Williamson led the team with 24 points, nine rebounds and three assists on 10 of 14 shooting off the bench, Derik Queen and Saddiq Bey each scored 19 points while Jordan Poole chipped in with 14 points.
As a team, the Pelicans shot 45 percent from the field and eight of 34 from the 3-point line as they struggled early on and scored just 21 points in the second quarter to trail for most of the contest. Before they caught fire with 40 points in the fourth quarter to run past the Mavericks and keep their win streak alive.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been in a rut as they’ve lost four of their last six games overall. But they will be eager to build some momentum after snapping a three-game skid with a 139-132 win over the Hornets last night. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 30 points and five assists on 10 of 18 shooting, Darius Garland added 27 points with 10 assists while De’Andre Hunter provided the spark off the bench with 27 points on nine of 13 shooting.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot 55 percent from the field and a sizzling 24 of 44 from the 3-point line as they dominated the second quarter by 37-27 to open up a 19-point lead. This was more than enough to hold off a late rally from the Hornets who made things interesting at the end.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last 10 home games against Southwest Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last nine road games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine road games on the second leg of a back-to-back against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in eight of the Pelicans’ last nine games with both teams on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The underdogs have won four of the Pelicans’ last five games.
- The Cavaliers have lost each of their last three games as home favorites following a win.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last six games against teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Cavaliers’ last eight night games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Pelicans’ last four night games against the Cavaliers following a home win have gone OVER the total points line.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Darius Garland ranks 3rd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (88.7%) this season.
- Jaylon Tyson ranks 11th amongst qualified players for 3P% (44.9%) this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Derik Queen is one of only five players to have made 8+ field goals without a miss in a game this season.
- Trey Murphy III ranks 3rd in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.7) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Cavaliers rank 2nd in the league for H2 points per game this season (61.5).
- The Cavaliers rank 3rd in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (15.1).
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (1748) this season.
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint per game (58.3) this season.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Pelicans are still missing Dejounte Murray, and they are keeping an eye on Herbert Jones, who suffered a sprained right ankle in the last game. The Cavaliers have ruled out Max Strus, Evan Mobley, and Larry Nance Jr once again. The Cavaliers open as heavy favorites at home, but they were really struggling before their win over the lowly Hornets.
They now have to play on zero days’ rest against a resurgent Pelicans team playing some great basketball at the moment. The Cavaliers should still be good enough to get the much-needed win at home, but I don’t really agree with this line at all. The Pelicans are a dangerous team at the moment, and I think they can keep this to single digits at the very least.