The Cleveland Cavaliers (24-12) welcome the Portland Trail Blazers (19-17) in a matchup that pits great offense against superb defense. The game will air on NBATV at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Portland Trail Blazers at Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Prediction
In the Trail Blazers’ last matchup, they defeated the Chicago Bulls, 124-120. Portland’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Chicago. The Trail Blazers had a rate of 6.5 (better than their season average of 13.0), while the Bulls posted a mark of 9.5. With 32 points on 11-for-30 shooting, CJ McCollum was the top scorer from either team.
The Cavaliers lost a tough one against the Utah Jazz in their last outing, 104-101. Utah’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Cleveland. The Jazz had a rate of 10.8 (better than their season average of 13.3), while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 14.0. Cleveland’s LeBron James had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 29 points on 12-for-22 shooting.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Cleveland takes on the stingy defense of Portland. The Cavaliers rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Trail Blazers are fourth in defensive efficiency.
Portland holds records of 19-17 straight up (SU) and 16-16-3 against the spread (ATS). Trail Blazers games have a tendency to finish under the total (71.4 percent).
Cleveland has a respectable 24-12 SU record, but they are just 11-24-1 ATS. There does not appear to be a trend for Cavaliers games in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Shabazz Napier has averaged 18.6 points, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals over the last five games for Portland.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Trail Blazers won the most recent contest 102-86. The Trail Blazers had a much better turnover percentage (8.3 vs. 13.7) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.484 vs. 0.396).
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Portland is 11-5-1 ATS with 12 unders and 5 overs.
Cleveland is 2-15-1 ATS at home with 10 overs and 8 unders.
When allowing less than 100 points, Portland is 13-4 and Cleveland is 10-1.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Cavaliers are 24-8 and the Trail Blazers are 14-7.
Portland ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (25.3) while Cleveland ranks last (32.1).
The Trail Blazers rank first in assists allowed per game (19.2) while the Cavaliers rank 29th (25.4).
Portland ranks fifth in blocks per game (5.3) while Cleveland ranks 26th (3.7).
The Cavaliers rank 12th in points off turnovers per game (17.1) while the Trail Blazers rank 26th (14.7).
Cleveland ranks 23rd in fast break points per game (9.3) while Portland ranks last (5.6).
The Trail Blazers average 45.1 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. The Cavaliers rank 13th in rebounds allowed per game (42.8).
Cleveland ranks 22nd in steals per game (7.3) while Portland ranks 25th (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Portland 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 Trail Blazers have been outscored by an average of 4.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Portland has defeated opponents by an average of 1.1 points.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 103.8 points per game (6.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.6 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
