Thunder vs Cavaliers Prediction 1/16/25 NBA Picks Today
Cleveland Cavaliers (34-5) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (33-6)
January 16, 2025 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Oklahoma City Thunder -2.5; Over/Under: 232
(Get latest betting odds)
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Thursday in NBA action at the Paycom Center. Here’s a Thunder vs Cavaliers Prediction. This article will include a Thunder vs Cavaliers Pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Raptors, split with the Pacers, and they play the Timberwolves, Suns, and Rockets next. The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 122.3 points on 50.2 percent shooting and allowing 111.5 points on 45.7 percent shooting. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 23.1 points and 4.5 assists, while Darius Garland is averaging 21 points and 6.7 assists. Evan Mobley is the third double-digit scorer and Jarrett Allen is grabbing 10.2 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting 39.9 percent from beyond the arc and 78 percent from the free throw line. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 36.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.8 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the 76ers and Wizards, and they play the Mavericks, Nets, and Jazz next. The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 116.2 points on 47.3 percent shooting and allowing 103.4 points on 42.5 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.4 points and 6 assists, while Jalen Williams is averaging 20.6 points and 5.7 rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein is the third double-digit scorer and Luguentz Dort is grabbing 4.4 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and 82.5 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 32 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.8 rebounds per game.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last nine games at Paycom Center.
- The Cavaliers have lost six of their last seven games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as favorites.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight road games against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last 12 games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Thunder have lost five of their last six games against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in each of their last nine games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points per game (31.4) this season.
- Jalen Williams ranks 5th amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.8) this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Jarrett Allen ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FG% (70.4%) this season.
- Dean Wade ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (4.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for opponent points per game this season (103.4).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+12.8).
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for field goal percentage this season (50.2%).
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for three-point percentage this season (39.9%).
Thunder vs Cavaliers Injury Report
The Cavs won’t have Emoni Bates or Luke Travers, while Ty Jerome is questionable with an illness.
The Thunder will be without Nikola Topic, Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, and Adam Flagler. Isaiah Hartenstein is also out for OKC due to a left calf strain.
Thunder vs Cavaliers Prediction
you can make a case for the Cavs and the points as you’re not getting them as dogs much the rest of the season. This will be the first time since November that the Cavs are an underdog. With that said, you’re also not getting the Thunder as small favorites much this season either. The Thunder are 16-2 SU at home this season, and they’re 27-10-3 ATS. With a cover percentage of 75 percent, the Thunder are the best cover team in the NBA. The home team has won five of the last six games between the Cavaliers and Thunder. Under a full bucket, I have to give the edge to OKC at home. Should be a fun watch on Thursday night, a possible NBA Finals preview.