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Cleveland (17-15) at Houston (18-10)
- When: Dec 27 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Toyota Center, Houston, TX, USA
- TV: SCHN
Cleveland vs Houston Preview & Prediction
Spread: Houston -4.0
Moneyline: Houston (-175)
Total: 234.5
Houston Rockets Breakdown
Houston finally looked like itself again after a brutal road stretch that included three overtime losses and plenty of frustration. Instead of limping home, the Rockets flipped the script by demolishing the Lakers on Christmas, a result that felt less like a fluke and more like a reminder of what this team can be when things click.
Coach Ime Udoka has repeatedly called the road struggles a temporary setback, and the response backed him up. Houston played fast, defended with purpose, and dominated the glass. The return of Tari Eason and the debut of Dorian Finney Smith added badly needed depth, even with both players on minutes limits. The rotation suddenly looks deeper, more flexible, and far less exhausted.
The Rockets strength remains physicality. They attack the offensive boards relentlessly and turn second chances into momentum killers. At home, that style tends to wear opponents down quickly. With extra rest and renewed confidence, Houston is positioned to dictate pace and force Cleveland into uncomfortable possessions.
Rockets Player Prop Pick: Alperen Sengun over 21.5 points line – Cleveland has struggled on the defensive glass, and Sengun thrives in high usage home games where touches pile up quickly.
Cleveland Cavaliers Breakdown
Cleveland arrives encouraged but bruised after a painful collapse against New York. Blowing a large fourth quarter lead stung, but the return of Evan Mobley softened the blow. His early comeback from a calf injury injected energy into the lineup and restored some defensive identity.
The Cavaliers are slowly getting healthier, yet the issues remain familiar. Turnovers and rebounding continue to sabotage otherwise strong stretches of basketball. Giving up easy points off mistakes is dangerous against a Houston team that leads the league in offensive rebounding percentage.
While Cleveland has enough scoring to hang around, the lack of physical dominance inside could become a problem as the game wears on. If they do not clean up the glass, they risk getting buried by extra possessions and transition buckets.
Cavaliers Player Prop Pick: Donovan Mitchell over 27.5 points line – In competitive road games, Mitchell often takes over offensively when structure breaks down.
Betting Outlook and Final Prediction
This matchup screams tempo. Houston pushes pace at home and feasts on second chances, while Cleveland has the scoring talent to respond. Expect points, momentum swings, and plenty of trips to the free throw line.
Houston’s rebounding edge and home energy should be the difference.
Houston covers the number, and the game leans toward the over with both offenses finding rhythm.
Final Score: Rockets 122, Cavaliers 114
Lean: Houston -4.0
Total: Over 234.5
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
