Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds
After both teams knocked out serial tankers on Monday, the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET.
The Cavaliers got a season-high 34 points and 17 rebounds from Evan Mobley in Monday’s 122-113 win over the Utah Jazz, while Donovan Mitchell added 34 points, and James Harden chipped in with 13 points and 14 assists. It was Cleveland’s fifth straight road win.
The Lakers, without a suspended Luka Doncic, handled the perennially pathetic Washington Wizards, 120-101. LeBron James had 21 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, and Luke Kennard all went for 19 points in Doncic’s absence.
Cavaliers vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds
With Doncic back in the lineup after missing one game due to the accumulation of technical fouls, the Lakers are currently slight favourites at -1.5 on the NBA odds. Their moneyline sits at -125. LA has won nine straight at home and 12 of 13 overall and can clinch the Pacific Division and their fourth straight postseason appearance with a win.
The Cavaliers, who have won six of seven overall, are +105 dogs. They are 2-6 against the spread in their last eight games, and have played to the Under in four of six. They are also 5-2 straight up and ATS in their last seven against Los Angeles. The Lakers are 1-4 against the spread in their last five, and have played to the Under in five of seven at home against Cleveland. The Over/Under currently sits at 236.5.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are without Jaylon Tyson (toe) and Dean Wade (ankle), and could be without Max Strus (foot). Jarrett Allen, who recently returned after missing 10 games, sat out Monday’s win as part of his right knee injury management.
James Harden has been everything the team could hope for since his acquisition from the Clippers last month. He’s averaged 20.4 points and 8.3 assists in 20 games since his arrival. The Cavs are 15-5 when he plays and 0-2 when he doesn’t.
Los Angeles Lakers
Except for reserve guard Marcus Smart (9.5 PPG, 1.4 STL.), the Lakers come into Tuesday’s contest healthy and poised to continue their hot streak. The only thing stopping Doncic right now is suspension. He leads the league with 33.4 points per game and has led the Lakers in scoring in 19 of his last 20 appearances.
Although Los Angeles improved to 7-6 without Doncic in the lineup, they will have no problem with him returning. He is averaging 37.2 points per game in March, including 39.7 per game in his last 10 contests. Doncic has scored 51 and 60 in a game during this most recent stretch.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Cavaliers vs. Lakers?
The Cavaliers would get the season sweep if they were to win Tuesday’s matchup. They are again right there with the Eastern Conference’s best, and have been a formidable opponent on the road all season.
That won’t matter as they face a uniquely rested Doncic and a completely revived Lakers squad looking for their 10th straight win at home. Look for Los Angeles to take a close one, 121-118.
CLE
LAL