The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing stiff competition from the 76ers and Pacers for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, sitting just a half-game ahead of both heading down the stretch run. Cleveland needs to take care of business in every winnable game the rest of the way, and the next one certainly qualifies as that. The Cavaliers will host the Dallas Mavericks, who are one of the worst teams in the NBA and don’t figure to put up too much of a fight.
Cleveland has been inconsistent this season but cannot afford to let Dallas hang around in this one. The Cavs should be heavy favorites to capture this victory. They will need to do so by a large margin to cover the NBA basketball spread.
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Odds Analysis
The Cavs are 45-30 straight up and 27-47-1 against the spread. Cleveland has gone just 10-25-1 against the spread at home on the year. The Cavaliers are 15-42-1 against the spread as the favorite on the year.
The Mavericks are 23-52 straight up and 38-37 against the spread on the season. Dallas has covered in 20 of 37 attempts on the road. The Mavericks are 31-25 against the spread as the underdog.
Player to Watch
LeBron James -- With Kevin Love in concussion protocol, James could be leaned on even more these last few games. It’s nothing the superstar isn’t used to or that he can’t handle though.
With Love out on Wednesday against the Hornets, James finished with 41 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in a 118-105 win. James has had a strong end to the regular season, and will look to close it out on a high note as he prepares for the postseason.
James had 19 points and 11 rebounds against the Mavericks the first time these two teams faced off back in November. But, with the way he’s been playing lately, he may put up some much bigger numbers this time around.
James is once again in the MVP conversation, although Cleveland’s down season as a whole may keep him from capturing the award.
Key Stat
9. That’s the number of wins on the road for Dallas in 37 attempts this season. That number is one of the worst marks in the NBA and figures to get worse in this game. Cleveland hasn’t been as great as expected this season but is still much more talented than the Mavericks.
Dallas hasn’t knocked off a good team on the road since beating Oklahoma City on New Year’s Eve. The Mavericks were in a mini-groove at that point but it was short-lived as the Mavericks have struggled in 2018.
Dallas used to be one of the best teams in the NBA but has watched a lot of talent depart in recent years. The Mavericks don’t stand much of a chance to win this game unless it shoots the ball extremely well.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Cavaliers are in a fight for the No. 3 seed but a win here will be a big help. The Mavericks aren’t going to obstruct them much at all. Look for James to dominate from start to finish. This spread could be in the double digits and Cleveland is still the pick to cover.
Consider taking the “under” on the scoring total because the Mavericks could labor to score consistently in this matchup. Dallas is low on talent and that will be evident here in NBA basketball betting lines.
NBA Odds: Cavaliers 106, Mavericks 93
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