The Cleveland Cavaliers (27-18) visit San Antonio to take on the Spurs (30-18) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against exceptional defense. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, and will air on TNT.
San Antonio opened as a 2-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 208.5 points.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. San Antonio Spurs ATS Prediction
In the Cavaliers’ last matchup, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 148-124. Oklahoma City out-rebounded Cleveland. The Thunder had 16 offensive rebounds and 52 total rebounds, while the Cavaliers had three and 28, respectively. Cleveland’s LeBron James played well, recording 18 points and seven assists.
The Spurs were beaten by the Indiana Pacers in their last game, 94-86. One of Indiana’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-17 (94.1 percent), while the Spurs were just 7-12 (58.3 percent). With 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting, Pau Gasol led San Antonio in scoring.
Getting to the line might be few and far between for San Antonio in this meeting. The Spurs rank 18th in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.188, while Cleveland ranks third in FTA rate allowed (0.162). Also, the Cavaliers rank fifth in offensive efficiency (110.3), while the Spurs rank second in defensive efficiency (101.3).
Cleveland has a respectable 27-18 straight up (SU) record, but they have a difficult time covering the spread (12-32-1 against the spread (ATS)). Of the Cavaliers’ 45 games, 23 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, San Antonio is 30-18 SU and 24-20-4 ATS. Of the Spurs’ 48 games, 29 have finished under the total.
After the Spurs won both games against the Cavaliers last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last game, San Antonio won 103-74. The Spurs made 14 of their 17 free throws (82.4 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 17.6).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. San Antonio Spurs Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Spurs, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Cleveland is 9-14 ATS with 12 unders and 11 overs.
At home, San Antonio is 15-6-1 ATS with 11 overs and 11 unders.
San Antonio is 20-9 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Cleveland is 10-2.
The Cavaliers are 27-10 when they reach 100 points, while the Spurs are 23-3.
San Antonio ranks third in blocks per game (5.5) while Cleveland ranks 26th (3.8).
The Cavaliers rank third in three pointers attempted per game (32.8) while the Spurs rank 26th (24.4).
San Antonio ranks seventh in assists allowed per game (20.9) while Cleveland ranks last (26.0).
The Spurs rank ninth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.3) while the Cavaliers rank 25th (46.8).
San Antonio ranks 11th in rebounds per game (44.4) while Cleveland ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (44.1).
The Spurs rank 14th in second chance points per game (12.6) while the Cavaliers rank 19th in second chance points allowed per game (12.9).
Cleveland ranks 10th in points off turnovers per game (17.5) while San Antonio ranks 12th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.7).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Cleveland is 0-5 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
San Antonio is 2-2-1 ATS with 5 unders over their last five games.
The Cavaliers have been outscored by an average of 13.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Cleveland has defeated opponents by an average of 0.2 points.
During their last five games, the Spurs have scored an average of 96.0 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 91.4 points per game (6.1 below their season average).
