The Cleveland Cavaliers (35-22) battle the New Orleans Pelicans (29-27) Friday. Tip from the Smoothie King Center is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Cavaliers vs. Pelicans odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
This will be the 2nd and final matchup between these teams. The Cavaliers won at home 113-103 Jan. 16, covering as a 7.5-point favorite. The Under 223.5 hit.
The Cavaliers have won 4-straight games, covering as a favorite in each. They beat the Pistons 113-85 Wednesday, covering as a 9-point home favorite. They are 7-3 against the spread (ATS) over their last 10. The Cavs are 30-24-3 ATS on the season.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, lost 10 in a row but have won 3 straight since snapping that on Feb. 4. They are coming off a 116-107 win over the Hawks Tuesday. The Pelicans have covered 3 in a row and are 27-29 ATS this season.
Cavaliers at Pelicans odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Pelicans +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -2.5 (-115) | Pelicans +2.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Cavaliers at Pelicans key injuries
Cavaliers
- G Ricky Rubio (knee) out
Pelicans
- F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Cavaliers at Pelicans picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 115, Cavaliers 112
Moneyline
SPRINKLE PELICANS (+125).
New Orleans is 20-9 straight up at home this season, and it will have stars like F Brandon Ingram and G CJ McCollum in the lineup.
The Cavs are 12-16 straight up on the road. New Orleans is also a league-best 5-1 straight up with a rest advantage, which it has here. For a small unit, back PELICANS (+125).
Against the spread
BET PELICANS +2.5 (-115).
New Orleans is 17-12 ATS at home this season while Cleveland is 11-15-2 ATS on the road. The Pelicans have the size and shot making to counter G Donovan Mitchell and company.
The Cavs have covered 4 straight but none have been on the road against a playoff-caliber team. New Orleans is also 6-3 ATS as a home underdog.
Back the PELICANS +2.5 (-115).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 223.5 (-108).
The Cavaliers have scored at least 113 in 4 straight games and topped 120 in 2 of those. They rank 6th in the league in field goal percentage (48.7%).
With New Orleans ranking 15th in pace and 8th in offensive rebounding rate, it should create a high-tempo game while also getting enough second-chance opportunities to help it score frequently. The Pelicans have also gone Over in 4 of their last 6.
Back the OVER 223.5 (-108).
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