Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers Predictions

Washington Wizards (27-32 SU, 23-35-1 ATS) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (35-24 SU, 34-22-3 ATS)
When: Saturday February 26 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)
Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio
TV: NBCSWA

Point Spread: WAS +7/CLE -7 (Opened CLE -6.5 at Everygame)
Total: 209.0 (Opened at 209.5)
Money Line: Washington Wizards +240/Cleveland Cavaliers -303
Power Rating: CLE -7

Probable Starting Lineups

Washington Wizards PG Raul Neto, SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SF Kyle Kuzma, PF Kristaps Porzingis Q, C Daniel Gafford
Cleveland Cavaliers PG Brandon Goodwin, SG Isaac Okoro, SF Lauri Markkanen, PF Evan Mobley, C Jarrett Allen

Key Injuries

Wizards Bradley Beal: wrist (OUT) Kristaps Porzingis: knee (OUT)

Cavaliers Darius Garland: back (QUESTIONABLE) Caris LeVert: foot (OUT) Collin Sexton: knee (OUT)

The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Washington Wizards in an Eastern Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland.

Recent Form

The Washington Wizards come into this game with an overall record of 27-32, placing them 11th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Washington has struggled in their 28 road contests, sitting at 12-16. Over the Wizards’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. During this stretch, Washington is averaging 118.0 points per game, 10.0 points more than their season average of 107.8. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 113.0 points per contest. A key reason for Washington’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 118.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 110.6. In the Washington Wizards’ most recent game, the team fell to Detroit by a score of 157-153.

The Cleveland Cavaliers come into this game with an overall record of 35-24, placing them 5th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Cleveland is above .500 at home, holding a record of 18-9. Over the Cavalier’s last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, Cleveland’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 107.0 points per game. Combined, the Cavaliers’ last five opponents are giving up 111.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Cavalier’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 108.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 102.6. In the Cleveland Cavaliers’ most recent game, the team fell to Detroit by a score of 106-103.

Individual Player Analysis

As Washington travels to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Wizards’ leading scorer is Kyle Kuzma at 16.7 points per game. Kuzma will need to be on top of his game as Cleveland is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 32.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Cleveland will be looking for a big game from Jarrett Allen, who is averaging 16.1 points per game. Given that Washington’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, Allen should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Wizards have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.06 of their games, giving them a rank of 1st among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 11 of Cleveland’s 54 games, leading to a winning percentage of 91%. So far, the Cleveland Cavaliers have played 18 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 18 times, by an average margin of -13.0 points.

The Historicals

Tonight’s matchup between Cleveland and Washington will be their third meeting of the season. So far, the Wizards have taken two of three.

More Picks: Get Joe’s Kings vs. Nuggets Pick ATS >>>

How the Public is Betting the Wizards vs Cavaliers

67% are betting the Cavaliers against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 208.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Wizards are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
• Wizards are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
• Cavaliers are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Cavaliers are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 home games.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into the game, the Cavaliers have been one of the best teams vs the spread. So far, they have an ATS record of 34-22-3. This mark includes going 17-9-1 vs the spread at home. On the other side, Washington has covered just 9 times when playing on the road. Look for the Wizards to struggle against a Cleveland unit giving up just 102 points per game. I am taking the Cavaliers to cover the spread.