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NBA Betting Picks: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards preview, picks and prediction

James Foglio Sports Editor

Updated16 hours ago on April 19, 2024

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For Friday night’s Eastern Conference contest, the Cleveland Cavaliers (12-10) are preparing to add to their three-game winning streak, before they face the Washington Wizards (14-8) at Capital One Arena. Can Bradley Beal and the Wizards spoil the Cavs’ series of consecutive victories?

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards news

Moreover, for tonight’s intraconference matchup, the Cavaliers are 16-5-1 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, while the Wizards are 12-10 against the spread. This game begins at 7 p.m. ET via Bally Sports Ohio, NBC Sports Washington and NBA League Pass. Per Land of Basketball’s database, based on 225 regular season games played all-time between these competitors, Washington is 117-108 versus Cleveland. The Wizards won the last meeting on Nov. 10, with a final score of 97-94. In the previous 10 head-to-head games, the Wizards are 6-4 against the Cavs. Cleveland has not defeated them since Feb. 21, 2020.

For the Cavaliers, the top news story pertains to rookie forward Evan Mobley winning Eastern Conference Player of the Month. His performances in October and November were outstanding. He’s only the fourth rookie in the history of the league to earn a total of 244 points, 136 rebounds, 42 assists, 16 steals and 30 blocks in his first 17 career games. Mobley joins Bill Walton, Mychal Thompson and Chris Webber. Through a total of 18 games played, the 20-year-old is averaging 14.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

In his first 17 career games, @EvanMobley totaled 244 PTS, 136 REB, 42 AST, 16 STL and 30 BLK.

He’s only the 4th rookie in NBA history to reach those figures joining Bill Walton, Mychal Thompson and Chris Webber. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/86JSeXMFxj

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 2, 2021

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 208.5

Point spread: Wizards -3.5 (-110)

Best moneyline: Cavaliers +135, Wizards -155

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards injury report

Cavaliers: SF Cedi Osman (out) | SG Collin Sexton (out for the season) | PF Dean Wade (doubtful)

Wizards: C Thomas Bryant (questionable) | PG Aaron Holiday (questionable) | PF Rui Hachimura (out indefinitely) | SF Deni Avdija (questionable)

Deni Avdija (non-COVID illness) and Aaron Holiday (non-COVID illness) are questionable tomorrow night vs. Cleveland.

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 2, 2021

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards preview

Moreover, in the Cavs’ 111-85 road win over the Heat on Wednesday, Kevin Love led his team in scoring, closing out his performance with 22 points in 21 minutes spent on the court. Center Jarrett Allen also earned another career double-double, with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 31 minutes played. Miami had an off night all across the board. Not to mention, the Cavs out-rebounded them 46 to 28.

However, while the Heat struggled to score points, the Cavs played an excellent game offensively. They shot 37-for-68 (54.4%) from the field and 15-for-31 (51.6%) from three-point range. Cleveland outscored Miami 31 to 16 to open the first quarter, too. After this upset victory, the team is now 7-4 away, 5-6 at home and 8-2-1 ATS on the road this season.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, in the Wizards’ 115-107 home win over the Timberwolves, Montrezl Harrell scored a team-high 27 points in 21 minutes of action. Guard Bradley Beal finished his night with 19 points, 6.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists in 38 minutes played. Washington dominated the key throughout the course of this matchup. They outscored Minnesota 68 to 44 in the paint.

In addition to the Wizards out-rebounding the Timberwolves 52 to 39, they shot 45-for-91 (49.5%) from the floor and 10-for-32 (31.3%) from behind the arc. But, the team is inconsistent. They have won five out of their past 10 games this season. Now, the Wizards are 6-6 away, 8-2 at home and 8-2 ATS at home. If they can find a way to generate more points on the road, Washington will qualify for a top-eight playoff seed.

Projected starting lineup

Bulls: PG Lonzo Ball | SG Zach LaVine | SF DeMar DeRozan | PF Javonte Green | C Nikola Vucevic

Knicks: PG Alec Burks | SG Evan Fournier | SF RJ Barrett | PF Julius Randle | C Mitchell Robinson

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards prediction

Additionally, the total for tonight’s Eastern Conference matchup is set at 208.5. Pertaining to the spread consensus, 63% of bettors are expecting the Wizards to cover the spread at Capital One Arena. Referencing the point total consensus, 54% of gamblers are hoping the total will go over 208.5. Currently, Cleveland is 10-4 as a favorite, 4-4 as an underdog and 7-4 ATS away, whereas Washington is 8-6 as a favorite, 3-4 as an underdog and 4-7 ATS at home.

For important betting trends, the Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their past five performances. The total has gone under in 15 of their previous 20 contests. Next, Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in the team’s last six matches versus Washington. Plus, the Cavs are 6-0-1 ATS in their past seven road games this season. Finally, the total has gone under in six of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents, and they are 4-1 straight up in their previous five meetings versus Southeast Division opponents.

On the other side, the Wizards are 3-6 ATS in their last nine performances this season. Also, the total has gone under in four of Washington’s previous five contests against Cleveland. And, the total has gone under in 10 of the team’s past 15 games. Though, the Wizards are 1-5 SU in their prior six contests played in the month of December. To summarize, the Wizards are a challenging team to defeat on the road, so pick Washington to win and cover the spread.