The Cleveland Cavaliers (34-5) travel to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder (33-6) on Thursday, January 16th. This game will be played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and televised on TNT. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 7:30 ET.
Cavaliers vs Thunder
The Cavaliers Are Coming Off A Win
The Cavaliers improved to 34-5 this season with a 127-117 win over the Pacers on Tuesday. Cleveland, favored by -8.5, covered the spread with the win. The total score of 244 points exceeded the O/U line of 231 by 13 points.
A key moment came when Cleveland went on a 10-0 run, turning an 85-77 deficit into an 87-85 lead. They outscored the Pacers 38-28 in the 3rd quarter and held off Indiana in the 4th, despite being outscored 28-27 in the final period.
The Thunder Are Coming Off A Win
The Thunder improved to 33-6 on the season with a 118-102 win over the 76ers on Tuesday. Oklahoma City was favored by 16 points, and the final score matched the spread. The game’s total points of 220 exceeded the over/under line of 214.
Oklahoma City gained control early with an 11-0 run, turning a 12-9 lead into 20-12. They dominated the 1st quarter, outscoring the 76ers 37-21. Philadelphia fought back, winning the 2nd and 3rd quarters, but the Thunder closed strong, holding the 76ers to 21 points in the 4th while scoring 31.
Cavaliers Offense Breakdown
Donovan Mitchell’s 35 points and 9 rebounds led the Cavaliers to a win over the Pacers, as he shot 52.2% from the field and hit 3 threes. Darius Garland added 24 points, and Evan Mobley contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds, connecting on 3 threes at a 75% rate.
The Cavs made 15 threes as a team, shooting 34.1% from deep and 48.3% overall. Mitchell scored 19 points in the 1st quarter, while Garland and Mobley each added 13 points in the 4th.
Thunder Offense Breakdown
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a win over the 76ers with 32 points and 9 assists, shooting 80% from the field. Jalen Williams added 24 points, and Cason Wallace contributed 18, scoring 11 in the 4th quarter.
As a team, the Thunder shot 55.6% from the field, despite hitting only 12 threes at 33.3%. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 14 points in the 1st quarter, while Wallace came up big late.
Cavaliers Team Defense
Even with a shaky defensive performance, the Cavaliers managed to hold off the Pacers, giving up 117 points on 48% shooting. Cleveland allowed 30 points in the 1st quarter and 31 in the 2nd, but tightened up slightly in the 3rd and 4th, allowing 28 points in each.
The Cavaliers limited Indiana to 12 made threes, despite the Pacers shooting 42% from deep. Cleveland sent Indiana to the line 22 times, where they made 17 free throws. The Cavaliers grabbed 35 defensive rebounds, gave up 9 offensive boards, and recorded 8 steals and 6 blocks.
Thunder Team Defense
Even though the Cavaliers gave up 117 points to the Pacers, they still managed to secure the win. Cleveland allowed 30 points in the 1st quarter and 31 in the 2nd, but tightened up slightly in the 3rd and 4th, giving up 28 points in each.
The Pacers shot 48% from the field and hit 12 threes at a 42% clip. Cleveland sent Indiana to the line 22 times, where they made 17 free throws. The Cavaliers grabbed 35 defensive rebounds, gave up 9 offensive boards, and added 8 steals and 6 blocks.
Cavaliers vs Thunder Trends
- Through their last ten road contests, the Cavaliers offense has averaged 122 points per game while allowing an average of 114. Cleveland posted an overall record of 7-3 while going 8-2 ATS.
- Oklahoma City has played well in their previous three home games, going 3-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 126 points per game while allowing 99. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-0-1.
- Cleveland has done well both straight up and vs the spread as the underdog, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three games.
- In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Thunder have a straight up record of 10-0 and an ATS mark of 7-1-2.
Cavaliers vs Thunder Prediction
Coming in as the underdogs at +2.5, we have the Cavaliers as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 232.5, and our model projects the Cavaliers and Thunder to reach a combined total of 241 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
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 16, 2025 Cavaliers, Thunder