Cavaliers vs. Lakers NBA Picks: Los Angeles Will Not Stop Cleveland

Cleveland Cavaliers

Darius Garland led the Cleveland Cavaliers with 25 points, while Donovan Mitchell added 23 as the team cruised to a 113-95 win over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, extending their winning streak to seven games.

Dean Wade contributed a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, and Jarrett Allen narrowly missed one with 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Cavaliers, who have the best record in the NBA, are navigating a grueling four-game West Coast road trip. After a 149-135 shootout victory over Denver on Friday and last night’s win against the Warriors, Cleveland now turns its attention to upcoming matchups against the Lakers on Tuesday and the Mavericks on Friday.

A key sequence saw Garland intercept an errant Andrew Wiggins pass and finish with a layup, stretching Cleveland’s lead to 44-36 late in the second quarter. This momentum carried into a dominant 20-5 run late in the third quarter, putting the game out of reach.

Cleveland’s efficiency was on display, shooting 45.8% from the field and 38.3% (18-of-47) from three-point range. Meanwhile, the Warriors struggled, hitting just 33.3% overall and 23.7% (9-of-38) from beyond the arc.

Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis powered the Los Angeles Lakers to a 132-122 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. It marked Sacramento’s first game under interim coach Doug Christie.

LeBron James missed the game due to illness, but the Lakers compensated with a balanced attack. Austin Reaves delivered a standout performance with 26 points and a career-high 16 assists. Rui Hachimura scored 21, Max Christie added 16, and Dalton Knecht chipped in 18 off the bench.

A 12-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters helped the Lakers open up a commanding 20-point lead. Reaves showcased his playmaking ability in James’ absence, distributing effectively when called upon.

The Lakers improved to 2-1 without James in the lineup this season, with Hachimura stepping up significantly. He also scored 23 points in a win over Portland on December 8.

James remains questionable for Tuesday’s game against Cleveland and could miss his fourth game since December 8. If he is unavailable, Cam Reddish, Dalton Knecht, and Armel Traore are expected to see increased roles.

Key Matchups

This matchup pits Cleveland’s consistency against Los Angeles’ adaptability. The Cavaliers enter the game riding a seven-game win streak, led by a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive presence. Meanwhile, the Lakers have found ways to win, going 5-1 in their last six games, showcasing depth and versatility.

Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell vs. Lakers’ Perimeter Defense

Cleveland’s backcourt duo has been electric, with Garland and Mitchell combining for 48 points against the Warriors. Garland’s playmaking and Mitchell’s ability to score in bursts present significant challenges for the Lakers.

If James is out, Reaves may be tasked with additional defensive responsibilities, alongside providing his usual offensive contributions. If Reaves can disrupt Cleveland’s guards while maintaining his own offensive efficiency, the Lakers can stay competitive.

Jarrett Allen and Dean Wade vs. Anthony Davis

Davis remains the Lakers’ anchor, coming off a monster performance with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists against the Kings. Cleveland’s interior duo of Allen and Wade will need to match Davis’ energy, particularly on the boards, where Davis excels.

Wade’s ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting could force Davis to defend away from the basket, opening driving lanes for Garland and Mitchell.

Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura vs. Cavaliers’ Defensive Scheme

Reaves is coming off a career-high 16 assists against the Kings, proving he can facilitate when needed. Hachimura has also stepped up, scoring efficiently in James’ absence.

Cleveland’s defense, however, has been formidable, holding Golden State to just 33.3% shooting in their last game. Reaves and Hachimura will need to continue their strong play to keep Los Angeles in contention.

Three-Point Shooting Battle

Cleveland shot 38.3% from beyond the arc in their win over the Warriors, while the Lakers have shown flashes of outside scoring from players like Christie and Knecht. If Cleveland maintains its hot hand from deep, Los Angeles will need timely shooting from its role players to stay within striking distance.

Turnovers

Turnovers could play a pivotal role in this matchup. Garland’s ability to generate steals, as he did against the Warriors, could disrupt the Lakers’ flow. Conversely, if the Lakers can force Cleveland into mistakes and capitalize in transition, they could neutralize the Cavaliers’ methodical half-court offense.

The Pick

This game will likely hinge on the availability of James. If James plays, the Lakers gain an edge in leadership and offensive creativity. Without him, Cleveland’s depth and cohesion should prevail. Look for the Cavaliers to set the tone early with disciplined play and strong shooting, while the Lakers rely on Davis and Reaves to carry the load.

NBA Pick: Cavaliers -4 (-108) at Heritage Sports 

Cavaliers -4 (-108)

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