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Cleveland (36-21) at Oklahoma City (43-14)
- When: Feb 22 2026, 1:00 PM
- Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- TV: ABC
Cleveland vs Oklahoma City Preview & Prediction
Spread: Cleveland -3.5
Moneyline: Cleveland (-165)
Total: 226.5
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
Cleveland rolls into this matchup as one of the league’s hottest tickets, winning seven straight and 12 of its last 13. The Cavaliers have not dropped a game since acquiring James Harden on Feb. 4, and the offense has found another gear. They just edged Charlotte 118-113, continuing a run where pace and shot creation have both improved.
Harden’s impact is obvious, but the depth has fueled this surge. The second unit of Dennis Schroder, Jaylon Tyson, Keon Ellis, Thomas Bryant, and Nae’Qwan Tomlin flipped momentum against the Hornets, all finishing on the positive side in plus minus. That bench energy changes tempo quickly, a key factor when laying points on the road.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
Oklahoma City still owns one of the West’s best records, but injuries are reshaping the rotation. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains sidelined with an abdominal strain, Jalen Williams is out with a hamstring issue, and Ajay Mitchell is unavailable as well. That is a significant chunk of on ball creation missing.
The Thunder have still won three of their last four. Jared McCain stepped up with a season-high 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting in a 105-86 win over Brooklyn. Nikola Topic, recently activated, provided a spark in the fourth quarter during that victory. Still, losing Gilgeous-Alexander’s production shifts the offensive ceiling.
NBA Prediction and Betting Outlook
Oklahoma City beat Cleveland by 32 earlier this season, but the roster dynamics are very different now. Cleveland’s depth and current rhythm give them a slight edge, especially with the Thunder missing key scorers. With the spread sitting at 3.5 and a total of 226.5, the lean is toward the hotter team controlling pace late.
Final Score: Cavaliers 115, Thunder 108
Lean: Cleveland -3.5
Total: Under 226.5
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
