NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview, Prediction

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview, Prediction

The Cleveland Cavaliers (56-11) kick off a five-game West Coast road trip with a matchup at the Los Angeles Clippers (38-30). 

Updated on 3/23/25

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The Cavaliers are coming off a 108-103 loss to the Orlando Magic which snapped their 16-game winning streak. The Cavaliers look to avoid their first losing streak since late January. The Eastern Conference leading Cavaliers only have two losing streaks this season. 

The Clippers are on a three-game winning streak, most recently routing the Charlotte Hornets 123-88. Norman Powell returned to the lineup in that victory as the Clippers strive to break out of the play-in tournament. 

CLE @ LAC Odds

Evan Mobley (foot) missed the loss vs. the Magic and is questionable for tonight’s game. Regardless of whether Mobley plays, this will be a competitive contest. 

The Cavaliers lead the league in offensive rating (121.5) while the Clippers are second in defensive rating (109.3). 

The Clippers have the top record against the spread as a home team this season. The Clippers are 4-0 in their last four games at home vs. teams with winning records. Right now, the Clippers are on a six-game home winning streak. 

During their last 10 games the Clippers have the fifth best net rating (+7.6) and the return of Powell will give even more of a boost offensively. 

The Cavaliers are third in field goal percentage (45.3) and seventh in defensive rating (110.9). On the interior Jarrett Allen will cause problems for the Clippers. However the trio of Powell, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard will be challenging to contain for Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland

The deciding factor will be the Cavaliers’ ability to hit 3-pointers. The Cavaliers are second in the league in 3-pointers made per game (16.0) and they shoot a league-best 38.8 percent from beyond the arc. The Clippers are seventh defensively in 3-point percentage but the Cavaliers are too loaded to be contained from deep. 

The Cavaliers are favored by 3.0 points and the total is set for 231.5 points at bet365. For the moneyline, it’s Cavaliers -160 and Clippers +135. 

The Clippers will battle hard to cover the spread while the Cavaliers will come away with a one-possession road victory. 

PICK: Clippers +3.0