Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction 12-21-23 NBA Picks
Cleveland Cavaliers (16-12) vs New Orleans Pelicans (16-12)
2023-12-21 19:30:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Cleveland Cavaliers -1.5 -- Over/Under: 226.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The New Orleans Pelicans look for a win after winning 7 of their last 10 games. The Cleveland Cavaliers are riding a 3-game winning streak. Let’s preview this game and give out a New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off wins over the Hornets and Spurs, but they most recently lost to the Grizzlies. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 115.9 points on 48 percent shooting and allowing 113.9 points on 46.6 percent shooting. Brandon Ingram is averaging 23.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Zion Williamson is averaging 22 points and 5.8 rebounds. CJ McCollum is the third double-digit scorer and Jonas Valanciunas is grabbing 9.9 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc and 76.8 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 34.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.5 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Facts
- The Pelicans have lost 21 of their last 22 road games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 night games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- Seven of the Pelicans’ last eight road games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers have beaten the Hawks, Rockets, and Jazz during this winning streak. The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 112 points on 47.5 percent shooting and allowing 111.9 points on 45.7 percent shooting. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 27.7 points and 5.5 assists, while Darius Garland is averaging 20.7 points and 5.9 assists. Evan Mobley is the third double-digit scorer and Caris LeVert is grabbing 3.8 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc and 77.3 percent from the free throw line. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 36.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.1 rebounds per game.
Cleveland Cavaliers Team Facts
- The home team has won each of the Cavaliers’ last six games.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games against Southwest Division opponents.
- Each of the Cavaliers’ last four home games have gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction
I’m not sure if I’m buying this line when you consider the Cavs are on the end of a back to back and still dealing with Garland and Mobley out. Donovan Mitchell also missed last night with an illness, so it’s key to check the injury report. The New Orleans Pelicans have injuries of their own, including a questionable Zion, but they’re still healthier overall in terms of key players. Throw in the rest advantage, and I’m grabbing the free bucket with the Pels.