Oklahoma City (30-5) at Cleveland (31-4)
- When: Jan 8 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, USA
- TV: FDSOH
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Moneyline
Oklahoma City Thunder +120
Cleveland Cavaliers -140
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Point Spread
Oklahoma City Thunder 2.5 (-105)
Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5 (-115)
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Total
Over 230.0 (-110)
Under 230.0 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Key Players:
Oklahoma City: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Cleveland: Donovan Mitchell
Team Stats
| Thunder | Cavaliers | |
| 30-5 | Record | 31-4 |
| 13-3 | Away & Home | 18-1 |
| 10-0 | Last 10 | 10-0 |
| W15 | Streak | W10 |
Last Matchup:
OKC 128-120, November 8th, 2023
Game Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers are favored by -2.5 points, with a total set at 230, as they prepare for a high-stakes showdown against the surging Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. This clash features two of the hottest teams in the league, each with impressive winning streaks and something to prove. Here’s how the betting landscape shapes up:
Game Preview & Betting Angles
The Thunder are riding a franchise-best 15-game winning streak after knocking off the No. 3 and No. 2 teams in the East, including snapping Boston’s reign as defending NBA champs. Now, they set their sights on Cleveland, the top team in both the East and the NBA. Oklahoma City is a perfect 11-0 against Eastern Conference opponents, but Cleveland has been just as dominant, boasting a 10-0 record against Western teams and a stellar 18-1 home record.
Cleveland’s recent success includes a 10-game winning streak where all victories have been by double digits. Their strong home-court advantage and balanced scoring attack make them a formidable challenge, especially for a Thunder squad playing back-to-back elite road games.
Key Players to Watch
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): Averaging 31.3 points, 6.1 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, SGA has been the Thunder’s heartbeat. He’s scored 33 points in each of the last two games and will need to continue his offensive dominance to keep the Thunder in contention.
Darius Garland (CLE): Garland put up 25 points in Cleveland’s win over Charlotte and has publicly voiced his desire for more recognition of his team’s success. He’s averaging 20.5 points per game and is eager to prove he belongs in All-Star conversations. Alongside Donovan Mitchell, Garland forms one of the league’s most dynamic backcourts.
X-Factors and Predictions
Thunder’s Slow Starts: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the need for OKC to avoid sluggish beginnings, especially in an environment like Cleveland’s. A fast start is crucial if they hope to neutralize the Cavaliers’ early-game intensity.
Cleveland’s Defensive Edge: Head coach Mark Daigneault praised the Thunder’s defensive grit, but the Cavaliers’ defense—anchored by their length and interior presence—remains elite, particularly at home. This matchup could come down to which team can clamp down defensively in the closing minutes.
Betting Predictions
Spread Pick (-2.5): Cleveland’s dominance at home and double-digit wins in 10 straight games make them a solid pick to cover the modest spread. OKC’s impressive run may meet its match against a rested and disciplined Cavaliers squad.
Total Pick (230): Both teams have shown they can score in bunches, but with two top-tier defenses on display, the under looks enticing, especially if the pace slows down in the fourth quarter.
Prop Bets to Consider:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over 30.5 points—he’s been a scoring machine and will likely need another big performance.
Darius Garland over 6.5 assists—Garland’s playmaking could shine if OKC focuses its defense on Mitchell.
Final Score Prediction: Expect a hard-fought battle, but Cleveland’s balanced offense and home-court edge should be enough to snap the Thunder’s historic win streak.
NBA Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Cleveland 115-110
The Pick: Cleveland -2½ (-115) & Under 230
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $357
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
