It’s a matchup of two teams currently sitting in play-in positioning when the Los Angeles Lakers kick off a four-game road trip in Cleveland against the Cavaliers.
Both teams will be trying to get back to the business of winning this evening. The Lakers had reeled off dubs in six of their previous seven before getting stopped against the Mavericks on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Cavs saw their four-game fun run end in a blowout to Miami, but that hasn’t affected their NBA odds for tonight as they currently sit as 4.5-point favorites.
In a battle of evenly matched sides, let's dive into my free NBA picks for Lakers vs. Cavaliers on November 25.
Lakers vs Cavaliers odds
Lakers vs Cavaliers predictions
Whenever LeBron James returns to Cleveland, it’s a moment. While some Cavaliers fans remain slightly soured by "The Decision", most are warmed by the prodigal son delivering them a title in 2016.
Saturday, LeBron returns as the only player who’s ever eclipsed the rarified air of 39,000 points. James is coming off a 26-point, nine-rebound, and seven-assist game in a 104-101 loss to the Mavericks. It’s the eighth time this season that the soon-to-be 39-year-old has led the Lakers in scoring.
Since departing "The Land" for Los Angeles, James has been his usual excellent self when taking on the Cavaliers. In four visits to Ohio with the Purple and Gold, LeBron is averaging 34.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while shooting a blistering 67% from the field.
The Lakers have gone 3-1 in those games, with the only blemish being last year’s December stopover when he finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists in a 116-102 loss.
Tonight, LBJ has had two days off between games and should be well-rested to put on a show in his home state. With a total of just 25.5 points — a total he’s crossed seven times in 11 November contests — I think the beat goes on.
My best bet: LeBron James Over 25.5 points (-115)
Lakers vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
LeBron James Over 25.5 points
LeBron James Under 2.5 threes
Lakers +4.5
Let’s stick with the King and craft a 3-leg SGP to add a little more intrigue to this cross-conference showdown between the league’s two eight-seeds.
Although LeBron has recently found his stroke from downtown, it’s been a different story against the Cavaliers though, as James has gone Under the total in six of his last seven appearances against Cleveland.
We’ll finish with taking L.A. to cover the spread. Cleveland could be down All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who's pumping in 29.2 points per game on 48.7% shooting from the field, including a deft 39.3% from distance.
Mitchell is dealing with a hamstring injury and is questionable for tonight, and Cleveland comes in averaging just 110.9 points per game on the season (22nd).
There’s a saying that you never take an underdog unless you believe they can win outright, so sign me up for this one. That, and the Lakers have gone 7-3-0 against the spread vs. the Cavaliers in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.
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Lakers vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis
There was a moment when the Lakers were 3.5-point dogs, but that number has jumped to as high as five points, with most books settling in at 4.5.
Both teams have struggled ATS this season, with the Lakers coming in at 6-10 and the Cavs at 6-9-0, including a 2-5-0 ATS mark at home.
The total was also set slightly lower Friday evening, with the line starting at 222 points. The O/U continues to rise and you can currently find the total as high as 225.5.
The Over has gone 9-6-0 in Cleveland’s games, but the Lakers have hit the Over just twice in seven road contests.
Lakers vs Cavaliers betting trend to know
After winning five straight against Cleveland, the Lakers have lost two straight, with the Cavs covering a 5.5-point spread both times. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Cavaliers.
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Lakers vs Cavaliers game info
| Location: | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH |
| Date: | Saturday, November 25, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
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