The Cleveland Cavaliers (57-14) and Portland Trail Blazers (32-40) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 10:00 p.m. EDT at Moda Center in Portland, Ore. The game will broadcast live on KATU.
The Cavaliers are 6.5-points favorites over the Blazers on the spread (Cavaliers -6.5), with the over/under set at 229 total points. Cleveland is a -250 favorite to win outright, while Portland is +205 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, March 25.
Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers Picks, Prediction
Spread
I won't bet on the spread in this game.
Moneyline
I'll stay away from the moneyline in this game.
Over/Under
I will stay away from the Over/Under in this game.
My Pick: Deni Avdija Over 19.5 Points (-130, Fanatics)
Cavaliers vs Trail Blazers Odds
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -115 | 229 -108o / -112u | -250 |
| Trail Blazers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -105 | 229 -108o/ -112u | +205 |
- Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers spread: Cavaliers -6.5
- Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers over/under: 229 points
- Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers moneyline: Cavaliers -250, Blazers +205
- Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers best bet:Deni Avdija Over 19.5 Points.
Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers Preview
For the first time this season, the Cavaliers hit a rough patch in what has been a spectacular regular season so far. The Cavaliers had lost four straight games, three of which came on their current West Coast road trip. However, on Sunday afternoon, they were able to snap their losing streak with a 120-91 victory over the Jazz.
Donovan Mitchell had 16 points and four assists against his former team, while six Cavaliers players scored in double figures. Tonight, they will conclude their road trip in Portland, but they will have to do so without Mitchell.
Mitchell also missed the first matchup between these teams this season, which Cleveland won 133-129 a little over three weeks ago. Ty Jerome was unhappy with the officiating in that game, but he still stepped up with 25 points, six assists, and six steals. Jerome has been one of the league's top reserves this season, averaging 12 points per game.
Without Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley will take the lead in the Cavaliers' offense. Both of their scoring lines are set above 20 points tonight. Additionally, there will be a few more shot opportunities for Max Strus, who made four three-pointers in the first matchup.
Meanwhile, Portland is still in the race for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference, entering tonight's game three games behind the Mavericks for the 10th seed. A recent five-game losing streak didn’t help their chances, but they come into tonight’s matchup having won four of their last five games.
One player who has been a recent standout for Portland is Deni Avdija. The 24-year-old is having a career year, averaging 15.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season. However, in March, he has been averaging 23 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 51.1% from the field.
Cavaliers vs. Trail Blazers Prediction
As mentioned, Avdija has been on a heater this month. He has scored 25 points in five of his last 10 games, including a 30-point outburst against the Cavaliers in the first matchup. The Cavaliers addressed perimeter defense at the trade deadline when they acquired DeAndre Hunter. However, they are ranked 23rd in points allowed to small forwards and 24th to power forwards this season.
Avdija is averaging 35 minutes and 14 field goal attempts per game over his last 10 games. This volume, combined with tonight's matchup, should help him reach at least 20 points. As for the rest of tonight's same-game parlay, I will be backing a few Cavaliers.
Dating back to last season, Evan Mobley has scored 18 points in nine of his last 10 games without Mitchell. That includes 20 points in his last game against the Trail Blazers. Max Strus has made at least two three-pointers in five of his last eight games and three of his last five road games. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has also liked to get him going early, as Strus has hit at least one three in the first quarter in seven of his last 10 games.
Lastly, Ty Jerome is averaging 13.1 points per game this month and has scored in double digits in nine of his last 11 games. He has scored 12 points in four of his last five games without Mitchell. If he reaches that mark tonight, I like our chances of cashing this parlay.
Best Bet: Deni Avdija Over 19.5 Points (-130, Fanatics)
Same Game Parlay Picks
