The scorching-hot Cleveland Cavaliers head to Los Angeles on Tuesday to face the Lakers in a clash of two in-form teams. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NBA odds from the top sportsbooks.

NBA Pick: Cavaliers -4 (-115) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at crypto.com Arena

The Cavaliers Are on Fire

Darius Garland spearheaded the Cleveland Cavaliers’ attack with 25 points in a commanding 113-95 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. Donovan Mitchell added 23 points as Cleveland extended its winning streak to seven games, solidifying its position atop the NBA standings.

Dean Wade delivered a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen just missed one, contributing 12 points and nine boards. The Cavaliers showcased their offensive efficiency, shooting 45.8% from the field and 38.3% (18-of-47) from three-point range, while their defense stifled Golden State, holding them to 33.3% overall and 23.7% (9-of-38) from beyond the arc.

The Cavs are in the midst of a challenging four-game West Coast road trip, which began with a thrilling 149-135 win over Denver on Friday. Tuesday’s contest against the Lakers will test their endurance before they wrap up the trip in Dallas on Friday.

A pivotal moment against the Warriors came when Garland intercepted an errant Andrew Wiggins pass and converted it into a layup, extending Cleveland’s lead to 44-36 in the second quarter. That spark carried into a 20-5 run late in the third, effectively sealing the game.

The Lakers Are Also Playing Well

Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 132-122 triumph over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, delivering a dominant performance with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. With LeBron James sidelined by illness, the Lakers leaned on a balanced effort to secure the win.

Austin Reaves stepped up in James’ absence, notching 26 points and a career-high 16 assists. Rui Hachimura added 21 points, while Max Christie and Dalton Knecht chipped in 16 and 18 points, respectively, off the bench. A 12-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters gave Los Angeles a commanding 20-point cushion, sealing the outcome.

The Lakers improved to 2-1 without James this season, thanks to Hachimura’s elevated play. He scored 23 points in a victory over Portland earlier this month and continues to thrive as a secondary option. James remains questionable for Tuesday’s game, leaving Cam Reddish, Dalton Knecht, and Armel Traore to take on larger roles if he’s unavailable.

Keys to the Game

Cleveland’s dynamic backcourt duo combined for 48 points against Golden State, showcasing Garland’s precision and Mitchell’s scoring explosiveness. If James is out, Reaves will need to shoulder extra defensive duties while maintaining his offensive contributions. How well the Lakers disrupt Cleveland’s guards could determine their chances of success.

Davis has been a force, dominating the Kings with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. Cleveland’s frontcourt tandem of Allen and Wade must rise to the challenge, particularly in the rebounding battle. Wade’s ability to stretch the floor could pull Davis out of the paint, creating opportunities for Garland and Mitchell to attack the rim.

Reaves continues to impress as a facilitator, dishing a career-high 16 assists against Sacramento. Hachimura has also emerged as a reliable scorer in James’ absence. However, Cleveland’s defense, which held Golden State to 33.3% shooting, will test their ability to sustain their production.

Cleveland shot 38.3% from deep in their last game, while the Lakers have relied on timely contributions from players like Christie and Knecht. If the Cavaliers maintain their hot shooting, Los Angeles will need key threes from its supporting cast to keep pace.

Garland’s knack for steals, as evidenced by his key takeaway against Wiggins last night, could disrupt the Lakers’ rhythm. Conversely, Los Angeles must force Cleveland into mistakes and capitalize in transition to counteract the Cavs’ deliberate half-court style.

NBA Pick

The outcome may hinge on James’ availability. With James in the lineup, the Lakers gain a significant boost in leadership and playmaking. Without him, the Cavaliers’ depth, cohesion, and perimeter efficiency should carry the day. Expect Cleveland to start strong and rely on their balanced approach, while the Lakers will lean heavily on Davis and Reaves to stay competitive.

NBA Pick: Cavaliers -4 (-115) at Bet365

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