Offense meets defense when the Cleveland Cavaliers (27-17) welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder (25-20) to Quicken Loans Arena. The game begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Prediction
In the Thunder’s last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Los Angeles Lakers, 114-90. The Thunder had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 46.7 (above their season average of 27.4), while the Lakers had a free throw rate of 0.049 (below their season average of 0.182). Steven Adams led the way for Oklahoma City, contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cavaliers barely escaped the Orlando Magic in their last game, 104-103. The Cavaliers had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 29.8 (above their season average of 20.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.212 vs. 0.182). With 12 points and 11 rebounds, Kevin Love played well for Cleveland.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Cleveland takes on the top-notch defense of Oklahoma City. The Cavaliers rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while the Thunder are fourth in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Thunder are among the NBA’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.8 percent). The Cavaliers, meanwhile, rank 27th at securing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.1 percent.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Thunder won the most recent contest 118-109. Oklahoma City won the rebounding battle. The Thunder had more offensive rebounds (17 vs. five), defensive rebounds (34 vs. 30) and total rebounds (51 vs. 35).
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Oklahoma City is 8-14 ATS on the road with 13 unders and 9 overs.
At home, Cleveland is 3-17-1 ATS with 11 overs and 10 unders.
Oklahoma City is 17-5 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Cleveland is 10-2.
The Cavaliers are 27-9 when they score over 100 points, while the Thunder are 21-9.
Oklahoma City ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (41.6) while Cleveland ranks 24th (46.4).
The Thunder rank ninth in assists allowed per game (21.9) while the Cavaliers rank last (25.7).
Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.4) while Cleveland ranks 21st (7.3).
The Thunder rank third in rebounds allowed per game (41.2) while the Cavaliers rank 22nd (44.0).
Cleveland averages 32.8 three pointers per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Oklahoma City ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.2).
The Thunder rank second in second chance points per game (14.7) while the Cavaliers rank 20th (11.7).
Oklahoma City ranks ninth in blocks per game (5.1) while Cleveland ranks 26th (3.8).
The Thunder rank third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while the Cavaliers rank 18th (16.7).
Oklahoma City ranks fourth in fast break points per game (14.2) while Cleveland ranks 16th (10.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oklahoma City is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Cleveland is 0-5 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, down from 3.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 101.0 points per game (8.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 115.6 points per game (7.0 above their season average).
