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LA Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction 12-31-24 NBA Picks

Cleveland Cavaliers (27-4) vs. LA Lakers (18-13)
December 31, 2024 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: LA Lakers +2.5; Over/Under: +227.5
(Get latest betting odds)

The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night. Here’s an LA Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction. This article will include an LA Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Pick.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in red-hot form as they’ve won 11 of their last 12 games overall and they will be eager to build on their current seven-game win streak after blowing past the Warriors in a 113-95 road win last night. Darius Garland led the team with 25 points and eight assists, Donovan Mitchell added 23 points on nine of 19 shooting while Jarrett Allen chipped in with 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot 45 percent from the field and 18 of 47 from the 3-point line, but this win was set up by their defense as they restricted the Warriors to just 11 points in the second quarter to take the early lead, before they poured in 37 points in the third quarter to put the game to bed. The Cavs will meet the Mavericks, Hornets, Thunder, and Raptors next.

Los Angeles Lakers

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are starting to heat up again as they’ve won five of their last six games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight victory after beating the Kings in a 132-122 home win on Saturday. Anthony Davis led the team with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists on 12 of 16 shooting, Austin Reaves added 26 points with 16 assists while Rui Hachimura chipped in with 21 points on seven of 11 shooting.
As a team, the Lakers shot a healthy 59 percent from the field and 14 of 26 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 40 points in the first quarter to take the early lead, before they dominated the third quarter by 42-24 to take a 20-point lead and earn the solid home win.

Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win

  • The Cavaliers have won each of their last nine night games against Western Conference opponents.
  • The Lakers have lost each of their last four night games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
  • The Cavaliers have covered the spread in each of their last six games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
  • The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as home underdogs following a win.

Total Points Facts

  • Seven of the Cavaliers’ last eight night games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
  • Each of the Lakers’ last four games against Eastern Conference opponents has gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

  • The Lakers rank 28th in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (33.4).
  • The Lakers rank 3rd in the league for free throws made per game this season (19.0).
  • The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for Q1 points per game this season (32.6).
  • The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for H1 win percentage this season (77.4%).

LA Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction

The Cavaliers are still missing Isaac Okoro, while the Lakers are keeping eyes on LeBron James and Gabe Vincent who are both questionable for this one. It’s always tough to play a second game of a back-to-back set, but the Cavaliers took care of business in last night’s win and were able to rest their starters early. The Lakers are coming into this meeting with plenty of momentum, but the Cavaliers have been on a tear and I think they are just too tempting at the short line in this spot.

Peter Tran's Free Pick: Cleveland -2.5

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Peter Tran

Peter Trans is an acclaimed Expert NBA Handicapper, renowned for his insightful analysis and predictions in the world of professional basketball. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the game, Peter has established himself as a trusted authority among basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike. His expertise is showcased on SportsChatPlace.com, where he provides in-depth game analyses, betting tips, and forecasts that are both highly informative and remarkably accurate.

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