Cleveland (56-11) at LA Clippers (38-30)
- When: Mar 18 2025, 10:30 PM
- Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA, USA
- TV: FDSSC
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Clippers – Betting Preview & Player Props
Spread: Cleveland -3.0 | Total: 232.5
Two of the NBA’s hottest teams square off in Los Angeles as the Clippers look to continue their resurgence against the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. Both squads are coming off vastly different performances—Cleveland saw its 16-game winning streak snapped by Orlando, while the Clippers dominated Charlotte in a wire-to-wire victory.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Bouncing Back After a Streak Ends
(55-11, 1st in Eastern Conference)
The Cavaliers had been rolling with 16 straight wins before running into a well-disciplined Orlando squad. Cleveland’s shooting struggles (41.7% from the field) and inability to limit free throws (Magic went 27-of-34 at the line) ultimately cost them in a 108-103 defeat.
Donovan Mitchell, the team’s offensive engine, managed 23 points, but his 3-of-14 mark from beyond the arc highlighted Cleveland’s rough shooting night. Jarrett Allen continued his strong play with a double-double (20 points, 12 rebounds), while Darius Garland added 19 points.
Cleveland now embarks on a challenging five-game road trip out West. Historically, road trips late in the season test a team’s endurance and focus, and a bounce-back effort will be necessary against a Clippers squad that is finally finding its groove.
Key Player Props to Watch:
Donovan Mitchell Over 23.5 Points – Mitchell will be looking for redemption after a poor shooting night, and the Clippers have had trouble containing dynamic guards.
Jarrett Allen Over 10.5 Rebounds – Allen continues to dominate the glass, and the Clippers lack a true interior presence to match him.
Darius Garland Over 5.5 Assists – With the Clippers focusing on stopping Mitchell, expect Garland to be more of a playmaker.
Los Angeles Clippers: Finding Their Stride at the Right Time
(44-22, 3rd in Western Conference)
The Clippers are surging, having won six of their last seven, and they are beginning to look like a legitimate threat in the West. Kawhi Leonard is finding his rhythm after missing significant time, and the return of Norman Powell gives them another elite scoring option.
Powell struggled in his first game back, scoring just seven points on 3-of-13 shooting, but the real story was James Harden’s dominant 31-point, 10-rebound performance in a 123-88 thrashing of Charlotte. Leonard added 23 points in just 27 minutes, giving him valuable rest ahead of this marquee matchup.
Los Angeles has also integrated new additions Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ben Simmons, making them a deeper and more versatile team heading into the stretch run. Head coach Tyronn Lue, who led Cleveland to an NBA title in 2016, will look to get a win against his former team while preparing the Clippers for the playoffs.
Key Player Props to Watch:
James Harden Over 22.5 Points – Harden is coming off a big game and has been aggressive offensively lately.
Kawhi Leonard Over 1.5 Three-Pointers – Leonard is shooting at a high clip and will be relied upon to spread the floor.
Clippers Team Total Over 114.5 Points – L.A.’s offense has been clicking, and Cleveland’s defense looked vulnerable in their last outing.
Betting Prediction & Final Score Projection
The Cavaliers have been dominant all season, but they are entering a tough road trip after a disappointing loss. Meanwhile, the Clippers are playing their best basketball at the right time and are getting key pieces back.
Cleveland will need a much better shooting night to cover on the road, but the Clippers’ recent chemistry and depth give them an advantage at home.
Prediction: Clippers 120, Cavaliers 117
Best Bet: Clippers (+125)
Lean: Over 232.5 – Both teams have enough firepower to push the total over.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
