The Cleveland Cavaliers (8-35) and the Los Angeles Lakers (23-20) face off at Staples Center. The Cavaliers are 9.5-point underdogs and look to put an end to their 12-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 217.5 points and it will air on NBATV at 9:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 13, 2019.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers ATS Odds
Both teams failed to cover as underdogs in their last matchup. The Lakers (8.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Utah Jazz, 113-95, while the Cavaliers (14-point underdogs) fell to the Houston Rockets, 141-113. The Los Angeles game finished 6.5 points under the projected point total of 214.5, while the Cleveland game went 38 points over the projected point total of 216.
Cleveland had a better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 12.7) while Los Angeles had a better turnover percentage (9.6 vs. 12.7). Michael Beasley played well for Los Angeles with 17 points. Meanwhile, Cleveland rallied around Ante Zizic, who finished with 18 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, LeBron James led the Lakers to a 109-105 win. He recorded a double-double with 32 points and 14 rebounds. The two teams combined to score 214 points, which was under the projected point total of 222, and Los Angeles was unable to cover as a 9-point favorite. Los Angeles did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (20-28; 71.4 percent). Cleveland, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (2.7 vs. 14.2).
Of the Cavaliers’ 43 games, 23 have finished over the total. Cleveland heads into the contest with records of 8-35 straight up (SU) and 19-24 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Lakers’ 43 games, 27 have finished under the total. Additionally, Los Angeles is 23-20 SU and 18-24-1 ATS.
It will be a battle of conflicting tempos as the fast-breaking Lakers will look to push the slower-paced Cavaliers. The Lakers rank second in possessions per game while the Cavaliers are 29th.
Cavaliers vs. Lakers ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Cavaliers average 7.0 steals per game, which ranks 23rd in the league. The Lakers rank 24th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
- Los Angeles ranks fifth in blocks per game (5.7) while Cleveland ranks 29th (2.5).
- The Cavaliers rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (43.4) while the Lakers rank 26th (47.2).
- Los Angeles ranks 15th in points off turnovers per game (17.0) while Cleveland ranks last (13.7).
- Los Angeles ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (30.8) while Cleveland ranks 26th (26.1).
- The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (55.7) while the Cavaliers rank 24th (42.7).
- The Lakers rank 14th in assists per game (24.3) while the Cavaliers rank 28th (20.3).
- Cleveland averages 13.2 second chance points per game, which ranks 15th in the league. Los Angeles ranks 16th in second chance points allowed per game (13.3).
- Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (19.8) while Cleveland ranks 24th (10.7).
- When holding opponents below 100 points, Los Angeles is 7-0 and Cleveland is 3-3.
- The Cavaliers are 6-17 when they reach 100 points, while the Lakers are 22-16.
- Cleveland is 11-10 ATS on the road, while Los Angeles is 9-12-1 ATS at home.
- The Cavaliers have 11 unders, 9 overs and 1 push in 21 road games.
- The Lakers have 15 unders and 7 overs in 22 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Lakers are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Cavaliers are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Los Angeles has 4 unders and 1 over, while Cleveland has 5 overs.
- The Lakers have been outscored by an average of 4.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Los Angeles has defeated opponents by an average of 0.9 points.
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 130.8 points per game (17.1 above their season average).
