Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently 20-13, as they’re heading into play winners of seven of their last ten games.

The New Orleans Pelicans, on the other hand, are 12-22, as they’ll be without Brandon Ingram for tonight’s matchup and perhaps beyond due to soreness in his left Achilles.

Betting Odds & Lines

The spread for Saturday night is set at CLE -3.5. The over/under is sitting at 214.5 points.

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Cavs Coming Off Blowout Win

The Cavs are coming off a blowout win over the Toronto Raptors, with the final score being 144-99.

Six players found themselves in double-figures, with Darius Garland and Kevin Love leading the way with 22 points apiece. Lauri Markkanen also chipped in 20.

Cleveland also sank 22 3-pointers and shot 52.8 percent as a collective unit while holding Toronto to just 41.6 percent shooting.

Kevin Love Continues to Shine

It’s hard to believe Kevin Love is still with the team after what both sides went through over the last few years, but it appears that they’ve finally been able to rectify their working relationship and find a role that best suits him at this stage of his career.

Love is averaging 18.6 points, including nearly 49 percent shooting from three to go along with 8.6 rebounds per game over his last five games, which has helped them win four of their last five games.

Without the veteran leadership Love has been showing all season long, there’d essentially be no shot of the Cavs turning things around this season so suddenly.

Pelicans to Try and Adjust Without Star Player

Achilles injuries are hard to diagnose, but hopefully, the basketball gods will be with Ingram on this one.

In the meantime, the Pelicans are going to have to rely on several different guys to step up with Zion Williamson also out of the lineup.

Jonas Valanciunas is listed as probable for this one, as the Pelicans can run play for him through the post and get him looks in the mid-range and behind the arc.

Josh Hart will likely earn a lot of minutes in place of Ingram, and when his name is called, the Villanova product shows up, as he’s averaging 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over his last three games.

Cavs Win

The Cavs should be able to handle the Pelicans in this one, as they’ll have more players healthy for this matchup.

Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are still out in the health and safety protocols, but other guys have stepped up in their absence to give the Cavs the boost they need on offense.

Love has particularly stepped up in both of their absences, and that is expected to be continued given his comfort level in his newfound role.

Garland should also continue getting to the basket with ease and finding his own shots. Once he gets to his spot for the floater, it becomes automatic.

Expect the Cavs to win and cover the spread.