Cavaliers vs. Rockets prediction, odds, pick, spread

The Cavaliers are playing like the best team in the NBA, while the Rockets are surprising how well they are playing. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Cavaliers-Rockets prediction and pick.

The Cavaliers jumped to the top of the NBA with a record of 36-6. The starting lineup, which includes Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, is one of the best in the league. This is a huge opportunity for them to win against a team as good as the Rockets, especially on the road in Houston.

The Rockets were the biggest surprise team this year. They have a trio of outstanding scorers, including Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet. The Rockets are a dangerous team for everyone in the NBA this year. They can pull off a huge win against the Cavaliers at home and immediately cement themselves as a bit of a surprise team, but a potential contender in the West where they need it.

Here are the Cavaliers-Rockets NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Cavaliers-Rockets odds

Cleveland Cavaliers: -2.5 (-110)

Money line: -146

Houston Rockets: +2.5 (-110)

Moneiline: +124

More: 233 (-110)

Under: 233 (-110)

How to watch Cavaliers vs Rockets

Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio/Space City Home Network

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Why the Cavaliers could cover the spread/win

The Cavaliers were one of the best offenses in the NBA. They are second in scoring with 122 points per game, second in field goal percentage with 49.8%, and first in three-point percentage with 39.6%. Six different Cavaliers are averaging more than double figures, and Donovan Mitchell is the leading scorer at 23.3 points per game.

Darius Garland is also very important to this backcourt as he is second in scoring with 21 points per game and leads the team in assists with 6.8 per game. Mitchell is the best player on this team, but Garland is extremely important next to him. The frontcourt lineup of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley has also been huge in this offense.

The Cavaliers have such a good offense that they should be able to score on the Rockets despite how elite they have been on that side of the court.

The Cavaliers’ defense has been very good, but not as dominant as last year. They are 12th in points allowed at 111.6 points per game, 10th in field goal defense at 45.9% and 22nd in three point defense at 36.6%.

Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are two huge keys for the Cavaliers down low and have been key to their success on defense. Allen leads the team in rebounds, with 10 per game, while Mobley leads the team in blocks, with 1.4 per game. Three players also average at least one steal, with Mitchell leading the way from the backfield with 1.4 per game.

This defense has been very good, and should be able to cause problems for a poor Rockets offense, even on the road.

Why the Rockets might cover the spread/win

The Rockets’ offense has talent, but overall, it hasn’t been impressive relative to the level of talent. They are 13th in scoring with 113.8 points per game, 23rd in field goal percentage, 44.8%, and 27th in three-point percentage, with 33.8%. Eight players are averaging over double figures this season, with Jalen Green leading the team in offense with 21.5 points per game.

Fred VanVleet then leads the team in ball movement, with 5.9 assists per game. The offense boils down to Alperen SengunGreen and VanVleet as a big three that can score consistently. Sengun is the biggest low key and so is how he plays. This offense has been stuck in a rut all season, but Houston should be able to score if these three get going against Cleveland.

The Rockets defense is one of the best units in the NBA. They are fourth in points allowed, 107.8 points per game, fifth in field goal defense, 45.1%, and 18th in three-point defense, 36.2% allowed from behind the arc. Alperen Sengun has been great as a frontcourt leader for Houston this season and has been a low anchor.

He leads the team in rebounding with 10.5 per game. Two players are also averaging at least one block, with wing Amen Thompson leading the way with 1.1 per game. Finally, five players average at least one steal, which shows they are an elite on-ball defense. Tarry Eason leads the team with two per game from the frontcourt.

This is a tough matchup, but they should be able to slow Cleveland down as they match up well on this side of the court.

Cavaliers-Rockets Final Prediction & Pick

The Cavaliers are more injured, and Mobley could miss this game. The Rockets aren’t as well-rounded as Cleveland, but they should take advantage. The Rockets have the better defense, and if Cleveland limps into the game, expect them to overwhelm the Cavaliers where they should win and cover at home.

Final Cavaliers-Rockets prediction and pick: Houston Rockets +2.5 (-110)