The Oklahoma City Thunder (5-4) look to continue their five-game winning streak against the Cleveland Cavaliers (1-9) at Quicken Loans Arena. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Prediction
The Thunder come in on a high note after covering the 3.5-point spread against the New Orleans Pelicans in their last contest, 122-116. The game’s total points (238) were just over the projected point total of 235.5. Oklahoma City forced the Pelicans into a turnover percentage of 17.1 (above their season average of 12.0). New Orleans, on the other hand, did a great job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (25-30; 83.3 percent). Oklahoma City was lifted by Paul George, who was the team’s high scorer with 23 points on 6-for-17 shooting.
In the Cavaliers’ last game, they dropped a close one to the Orlando Magic, 102-100, but were able to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (202) came in under the O/U total of 214.5. One of Orlando’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 13-15 (86.7 percent), while the Cavaliers were just 8-12 (66.7 percent). With 19 points and 16 rebounds, Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson had a good performance.
This could end up being an error-filled game for the Cleveland offense. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, Cleveland ranks 23rd in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 13.3 percent), while the pesky defense of Oklahoma City has forced the second-most turnovers in the NBA (15.4 percent). This contest should be a showdown of opposite paces. The fast-paced Thunder rank third in possessions per game, while the more methodical Cavaliers rank 28th.
Oklahoma City heads into the game with records of 5-4 straight up (SU) and 5-4 against the spread (ATS). Matchups including the Thunder have a tendency to go over the total (55.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Cleveland is 1-9 SU and 5-5 ATS. Vegas is extremely precise when predicting totals of Cavaliers games, with an even split between overs and unders.
These two teams split two games last season. The Cavaliers won the last contest 120-112. The Cavaliers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Thunder. Cleveland had a rate of 6.7, while Oklahoma City posted a mark of 8.0.
Thunder at Cavaliers Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Both teams are strong when holding the opposition to under 100 points, as Oklahoma City is 23-6 and Cleveland is 22-6.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Thunder are 51-21 and the Cavaliers are 59-27.
Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (19.2) while Cleveland ranks 23rd in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.2).
The Thunder rank 10th in rebounds per game (45.1) while the Cavaliers rank 27th (41.9).
Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.3) while Cleveland ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
The Thunder average 44.4 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Cavaliers rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (47.4).
Oklahoma City ranks 12th in blocks per game (5.0) while Cleveland ranks 27th (3.7).
The Thunder average 15.1 second chance points per game, which ranks second in the league. The Cavaliers rank 15th in second chance points allowed per game (12.7).
Oklahoma City averages 15.1 fast break points per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 21st in fast break points allowed per game (12.0).
The Thunder rank 17th in three pointers attempted per game (30.3) while the Cavaliers rank 28th (31.0).
Oklahoma City ranks 23rd in assists per game (21.1) while Cleveland ranks 26th (22.3).
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