The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The matchup, which starts at 2:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, features two teams with distinct current trajectories.
The Thunder are entering this game with a record of 35 wins and 8 losses for the season. However, they come off a narrow 122-120 defeat against the Miami Heat as a 10.5-point favorite. Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with an impressive 39 points, while rookie Chet Holmgren contributed with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Despite their strong season overall, Oklahoma City has recently struggled against the spread, going just 2-6 in their last eight games. However, the over has hit in four of their last six games, indicating a trend of high-scoring affairs.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers, boasting a record of 24-19, recently swept a back-to-back series against the Philadelphia 76ers, winning both games and covering the spread. Jaylon Tyson delivered a standout performance in their latest victory with a career-best 39 points, while Donovan Mitchell facilitated the offense with 12 assists. Cleveland has shown solid form, winning three of their last four games, and they stand at 3-1 against the spread in that span.
BetMGM Sportsbook currently lists the moneyline at Thunder -250 and Cavaliers +200, with the Thunder favored by 6.5 points against the spread. The over/under for the game is set at 234.5 points, suggesting expectations for an offensive showcase. Notably, injuries could play a crucial role in the matchup. The Thunder will be without Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams, while the Cavaliers are missing Darius Garland, Sam Merrill, and Max Strus, although Dean Wade is listed as probable.
In terms of predicting the outcome of the game, experts favor the Thunder to narrowly win 122-117. However, a strategic approach may suggest betting against the spread on the Thunder, given their recent performance. Instead, backing the Cavaliers at +6.5 could be more promising, as they have been competitive in their last few outings.
Overall, both teams have shown ability on the offensive end recently, indicating that the over may also be a smart play. With the excitement of this matchup, fans can look forward to what could be an exhilarating game on a day honoring civil rights and equality.