The Cleveland Cavaliers (36-6) travel to face off against the Houston Rockets (28-14) on Wednesday, January 22nd. This game will be played at Toyota Center in Houston and televised on SCHN. The Cavaliers are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Rockets are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Rockets. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.
Cavaliers vs Rockets
The Cavaliers Are Coming Off A Win
The Cavaliers improved to 36-6 on the season with a 118-92 win over the Suns on Monday. Cleveland, who were -8 point favorites, covered the spread comfortably. The game’s total points of 210 fell well short of the 238-point over/under line.
After a 27-27 tie in the 1st quarter, Cleveland took control by outscoring Phoenix 32-19 in the 2nd quarter. An 11-0 run pushed their lead from 62-48 to 73-48, and they entered the 4th quarter up 93-70 before closing out the game by edging the Suns 25-22 in the final period.
The Rockets Are Coming Off A Win
The Rockets fell to 28-14 on the season after a 107-96 loss to the Pistons on Monday. Houston, who were -7.5 point favorites, not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The total score of 203 points was well below the O/U line of 224.
Detroit’s 13-0 run broke the game open early, but Houston responded by outscoring the Pistons 28-17 in the 2nd quarter. However, the Rockets couldn’t maintain momentum, as they were outscored 33-23 in the 3rd and 17-16 in the 4th.
Cavaliers Offense Breakdown
In their win over the Suns, the Cavaliers connected on 19 threes, shooting 41.3% from deep, despite a 43.2% overall field goal percentage. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 33 points, hitting 4 threes at a 44.4% clip.
Darius Garland added 16 points, making 3 threes at 60% efficiency. Mitchell scored 12 points in the 3rd quarter and 11 in the 4th, while Garland added 10 in the 2nd quarter.
Rockets Offense Breakdown
The Rockets struggled offensively in their loss to the Pistons, managing just 96 points on 39.4% shooting from the field. Their three-point shooting was also subpar, hitting only 28.2% with 11 made threes.
Fred VanVleet led the way with 20 points, making 5 threes at a 38.5% clip. Jalen Green added 19 points, with 9 coming in the 4th quarter, while Amen Thompson contributed 17 points, including 9 in the 2nd quarter.
Cavaliers Team Defense
The Cavaliers put on a strong defensive performance against the Suns, holding them to just 92 points. Cleveland was particularly effective in the 2nd quarter, allowing only 19 points. The Cavaliers also limited the Suns to 24 points in the 3rd and 22 in the 4th.
From beyond the arc, the Cavaliers held the Suns to 10 made threes on 38% shooting. Cleveland also sent Phoenix to the line just 13 times, where they made 10 free throws. The Cavaliers dominated the boards, giving up only 1 offensive rebound while collecting 35 defensive rebounds. They also recorded 10 steals in the game.
Rockets Team Defense
The Cavaliers put on a defensive clinic against the Suns, allowing just 92 points in their win on Monday. Cleveland gave up 27 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd, holding Phoenix to 19 points. They continued their strong defensive performance in the 3rd and 4th quarters, allowing 24 and 22 points, respectively.
Despite the Suns shooting 46% from the field, the Cavaliers limited them to 10 made threes on 38% shooting from deep. Cleveland also sent Phoenix to the line just 13 times, where they made 10 free throws. The Cavaliers dominated the boards, giving up only 1 offensive rebound while collecting 35 defensive rebounds. They also recorded 10 steals in the game.
Cavaliers vs Rockets Trends
- Across their last three road contests, Cleveland has been good against the spread posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1, while averaging 121 points per game.
- In their last three home games, Houston has averaged 126 points per game while allowing 114. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-1 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
- The last three games that Houston was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.
- Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Cavaliers have a straight up record of 9-1. Their record vs the spread in these games was 7-3.
Cavaliers vs Rockets Prediction
Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +2, the Rockets is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 231.5, and our model projects the Cavaliers and Rockets to reach a combined total of 230 points. Our bet is on taking the under.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 22, 2025 Cavaliers, Rockets