The Los Angeles Lakers (29-36) take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (38-27) at Staples Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 11, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 228.5 points with Cleveland set as a 2-point favorite.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Free Prediction
In the Cavaliers’ last matchup, they were topped by the Los Angeles Clippers, 116-102. Los Angeles out-rebounded Cleveland. The Clippers had 13 offensive rebounds and 52 total rebounds, while the Cavaliers had eight and 40, respectively. LeBron James was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points on 11-for-20 shooting.
The Lakers were beaten by the Denver Nuggets in their last matchup, 125-116. Denver was successful at getting and making free throws. The Nuggets made 26 of their 30 free throws (86.7 percent), while the Lakers were 12-16 (75.0 percent). With 29 points on 12-for-18 shooting, Brook Lopez was the top scorer from either team.
Los Angeles could have trouble getting to the charity stripe in this matchup. The Lakers rank 23rd in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.181, while Cleveland ranks second in FTA rate allowed (0.166).
Cleveland holds records of 38-27 straight up (SU) and 21-43-1 against the spread (ATS). Cavaliers games have a slight tendency to go over the total (49.2 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 29-36 SU and 35-30 ATS. Of the Lakers’ 65 games, 36 have finished over the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Larry Nance Jr. (14.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals) has been stellar for the Cavaliers while Julius Randle (20.4 points and 8.4 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Lakers.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. James recorded 25 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in the first game, in which the Cavaliers beat the Lakers 121-112 but could not cover as 10.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 233 points, which was 12.5 points above the projected point total of 220.5 points. The Cavaliers made 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (12.6 vs. 15.1).
Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers Odds Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Cleveland is 14-18 ATS with 16 overs and 16 unders.
Los Angeles is 17-14 ATS at home with 16 overs and 15 unders.
When allowing less than 100 points, Cleveland is 14-2 and Los Angeles is 11-3.
The Lakers are 26-23 when they reach the century mark, while the Cavaliers are 37-15.
Cleveland ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while Los Angeles ranks 27th (5.6).
The Lakers rank sixth in assists per game (23.9) while the Cavaliers rank 29th in assists allowed per game (25.7).
Los Angeles ranks first in points in the paint per game (52.8) while Cleveland ranks 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (46.5).
The Lakers rank second in rebounds per game (46.3) while the Cavaliers rank 23rd (42.1).
Los Angeles ranks second in second chance points per game (14.5) while Cleveland ranks 22nd (11.4).
The Cavaliers average 32.6 three pointers per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Lakers rank 18th in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (17.3) while Cleveland ranks 13th (12.4).
The Cavaliers rank 17th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.6) while the Lakers rank 27th (18.7).
Los Angeles ranks 12th in steals per game (8.1) while Cleveland ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Cleveland is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Cavaliers have been outscored by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Cleveland has defeated opponents by an average of 0.2 points.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 114.8 points per game (6.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.0 points per game (2.8 above their season average).
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