The Phoenix Suns (19-49), who are currently on a five-game skid, look to get back in the win column when they welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers (38-28) to Talking Stick Resort Arena. Action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
The last time the Cavaliers played, they were beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers, 127-113. Cleveland’s LeBron James had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 24 points on 9-for-20 shooting. Los Angeles had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.8 (above their season average of 24.0). Cleveland, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (19-23; 82.6 percent).
The Suns are trying to rebound after their 122-115 loss to the Charlotte Hornets in their last matchup. With 11 points and 10 assists, Tyler Ulis had a good outing for Phoenix. Charlotte did a great job of making free throws (21-27; 77.8 percent). Phoenix, meanwhile, was lights out from beyond the arc (18-32; 56.3 percent).
This contest should be a showdown of contrasting paces. Phoenix prefers a fast-paced style of play (third in possessions per game), while Cleveland is more half-court-oriented (13th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Cavaliers’ fifth-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 110.3) will try to exploit the Suns’ 30th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 111.2).
Of Cleveland’s 66 games, 33 have finished over the O/U total, while 33 of Phoenix’s 68 games have finished over the O/U total. The Cavaliers have the better straight up (SU) record (38-28 vs. 19-49), but the Suns hold the clear advantage against the spread (ATS) (31-35-2 vs. 21-44-1).
Larry Nance Jr. has really been playing well over the last five games for Cleveland, averaging 15.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Cavaliers won both meetings played against each other last season. In the most recent contest, Cleveland won 118-103. Cleveland’s 0.618 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Phoenix, who had a rate of 0.459.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – Suns, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Cavaliers rank 12th in fast break points allowed per game (11.3) while the Suns rank 29th (14.7).
- Phoenix ranks seventh in second chance points per game (13.5) while Cleveland ranks 19th in second chance points allowed per game (12.8).
- Cleveland ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (7.6) while Phoenix ranks 26th (8.6).
- Cleveland ranks 17th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5) while Phoenix ranks 27th (18.7).
- Cleveland is 14-19 ATS on the road, while Phoenix is 12-20-1 ATS at home.
- The Cavaliers have 17 overs and 16 unders in 33 road games.
- In 33 home games, the Suns have 16 overs, 16 unders and 1 push.
- Cleveland is 14-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Phoenix is 6-2.
- The Cavaliers are 37-16 when they score more than 100 points, while the Suns are 15-30.
- The Suns rank 10th in points in the paint per game (45.9) while the Cavaliers rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (46.8).
- Cleveland ranks fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while Phoenix ranks 29th (5.8).
- The Cavaliers rank ninth in assists per game (23.6) while the Suns rank 28th (21.2).
- The Suns rank 12th in rebounds per game (43.9) while the Cavaliers rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (44.3).
- Phoenix ranks 11th in three pointers allowed per game (28.8) while Cleveland ranks 28th (31.8).
Bettings Trends:
- Phoenix is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs, 1 under and 1 push in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Cleveland is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 13.2, up from 8.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 111.4 points per game (1.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.4 points per game (3.3 above their season average).