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The Cleveland Cavaliers will play the Golden State Warriors in an inter-conference matchup on Sunday evening. It's time continue our NBA odds series with a Cavaliers-Warriors prediction and pick.
The Cavaliers and Warriors will meet on Sunday night as the NBA world watches for the return of Klay Thompson. Thompson has not played since tearing his ACL in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Golden State should obviously receive a huge energy boost from the presence of Klay, but working him back into the fold may come with some hiccups. The Warriors come into this one as big favorites over the Cavaliers, who are nearly at full strength aside from losing guards Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio for the season. This could end up being a close game as Cleveland has been one of the better defensive teams in the NBA to this point in the season.
Here is how FanDuel has set the Cavaliers-Warriors odds for this Sunday NBA matchup.
NBA Odds: Cavaliers-Warriors Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers +8 (-106)
Golden State Warriors -8 (-114)
Over 216 (-110)
Under 216 (-110)
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Why The Cavaliers Could Cover The Spread
Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley have formed a pretty killer young ‘Big 3' this season in Cleveland, surprising the NBA with their 22-17 record entering this one. The Cavaliers possess one of the hardest defenses to score on in the league thanks to the prowess of Allen and Mobley, who both move extremely well for being such good rim protectors. Garland has taken the reins of the offense and looks bound for stardom at the point guard position. This will be a spot where many fade the Cavaliers in the return of Klay Thompson, but they are a good bet getting this many points while the Warriors try to work in Thompson off a 30-month absence.
Cleveland vs. the spread
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The Cavaliers are 26-11-2 vs. the spread this season, which is a very solid record. Cleveland is 16-7-1 as the underdog in 2021-22, and 10-4-1 as an away dog vs. the line. This could be another spot for an away cover getting big points vs. a suddenly cold Warriors team. The Cavaliers have covered just once in their last six games.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
The Warriors have hit their biggest lull of the season as they have lost three of their last five games. The Warriors have scored under 100 points in all three of those losses. Golden State still has second best record in the NBA entering play on Sunday, which is a scary thought considering Thompson is just now returning. Stephen Curry could use someone to take a little attention away from him, as he has struggled of late as well.
This could be a tricky spot as the Warriors will no doubt be energized by the return of Klay, but there's also an element of awkwardness to be expected with him coming back for the first time in so long. Thompson has never played with several of his current teammates and may take some time to acclimate and get comfortable. Then again, if he had 30 points in the first half tonight, that wouldn't be all that shocking either considering who we're talking about.
Golden State vs. the spread
The Warriors are 22-14-2 vs. the spread so far this season, but have not covered in four of their last five games. Golden State is 13-6-1 against the spread as home favorites this season.
Final Cavaliers-Warriors Prediction and Pick
Take the Cavaliers to cover vs. the Warriors in this one, while the final result may be a close game.
Final Cavaliers-Warriors Prediction & Pick: Cavaliers +8 (-106)
