The Cleveland Cavaliers will wrap up a three-game road trip against the New Orleans Pelicans in one of 10 games scheduled for Saturday. If they win, Cleveland will improve to 3-0 over this stretch.
The Cavaliers are fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 43-27 record, trailing the conference leaders, the Detroit Pistons (51-19), by eight games.
Donovan Mitchell has led the charge, averaging 28.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. James Harden has also been solid, recording 20.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 7.7 apg.
On the other hand, the Pelicans are fighting for a play-in spot, holding 11th place in the Western Conference with a 25-46 record. They are eight and a half games behind the Golden State Warriors in 10th (33-37).
Trey Murphy III has led the team in scoring, averaging 22.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 3.9 apg. Zion Williamson has also been a key contributor, recording 21.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 3.3 apg.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game Details
The Pelicans-Cavaliers game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET from Smoothie King Center. Fans can catch the live broadcast on Gulf Coast Sports, Pelicans+ and FDSOH. The matchup can also be streamed via NBA League Pass or Fubo.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Odds
Moneyline: Pelicans (+164) vs. Cavaliers (-198)
Spread: Pelicans (+4.5) vs. Cavaliers (-4.5)
Total (O/U): Pelicans (o235.5) -112 vs. Cavaliers (u235.5) -108
Note: Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change closer to tipoff.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview
The Pelicans are neck and neck in their regular-season rivalry against the Cavaliers, winning 26 out of 50 games. But Cleveland is enjoying a successful run against New Orleans, winning four consecutive games.
The teams last met on Dec. 23, with the Cavaliers winning 141-118, led by a 27-point performance from Donovan Mitchell.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
Pelicans
The Pelicans have four players on their injury report for Saturday’s game. Trey Alexander, Hunter Dickinson and Josh Oduro, who are all on two-way contracts, are out. Bryce McGowens is also out with a toe injury.
Cavaliers
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have seven players listed on their injury report vs the Pelicans. Jarrett Allen (knee), Craig Porter Jr. (groin) and Tyrese Proctor (quad) are out. Tristan Enaruna and Olivier Sarr are also out. Donovan Mitchell (eye) and Jaylon Tyson (toe) are listed as questionable.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineups
Pelicans
G: Dejounte Murray | G: Trey Murphy III | F: Saddiq Bey | F: Zion Williamson | C: Herbert Jones
Cavaliers
G: James Harden | G: Sam Merrill | F: Dean Wade | F: Evan Mobley | C: Thomas Bryant
Cavaliers vs. Pelicans Prediction
Bookmakers have the Cavaliers as slight favorites to win against the Pelicans. Even if Donovan Mitchell misses the game with his eye injury, Cleveland still holds an advantage on paper.
Our prediction: The Cavaliers to win.
Read More: Did Donovan Mitchell Say He Would Marry Coco Jones After James Harden’s Arrival?
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