The Cleveland Cavaliers finish up a four game road swing on Monday and will attempt to go unbeaten during this stretch when they take on the Utah Jazz.
Any concerns about the Cavaliers' team dynamics following last week's events have dissipated and now the focus is again on Cleveland securing home court advantage in the playoffs.
You can bet on NBA odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
SCHEDULE
While the Cavaliers are finishing up a road trip, the Jazz will be playing their third game in four days as well as coming back home after a road trip to Sacramento on Sunday. Utah won its previous two games and is riding high, but a game against The King is a different animal.
KEY MATCHUP
Cleveland was so dominant against the Clippers on Sunday that LeBron James was able to sit the entire fourth quarter and the Cavs still won by 24. LeBron put up 27 points and six Cavaliers were in double figures on the day as Cleveland handled its business against a Western Conference contender yet again.
Channing Frye has played sparingly off the bench this season, but the veteran gives the Cavs depth and can perform at a high level when called upon. With Kevin Love banged up, Frye has played more the last two games and has been fantastic. Frye has sunk 10-of-14 three point attempts over the Cavs last two games to play a big part in Cleveland's last two wins.
Tristan Thompson is often overlooked on a talented Cavaliers roster, but he has been awesome during this road trip. Thompson has recorded a double-double in each of the three previous games and is patrolling the glass at an elite level.
If he can effectively complement Cleveland's Big Three, the Cavs can knock off anyone.
The Utah Jazz are two games behind the Rockets and Mavericks for a playoff spot, but have played well recently. Derrick Favors may finally be starting to put it together and was a force against the Kings on Sunday.
He scored 28 points and collected 14 rebounds and seems to bring his A game against the better big men. He put up huge numbers against Boogie Cousins Sunday and Anthony Davis last weekend and is showing why he was the third overall pick in the draft.
Another lottery pick that may be starting to pan out for the Jazz is Gordon Hayward. Hayward was criticized as being nothing more than a shooter early on in his career, but now he is doing other things too. He may not fill the stat sheet in all aspects like other stars, but he is now contributing with more than just his shooting.
LIVE BETTING SCENARIO
The Cavaliers have covered every game on this road trip thus far to improve their season record to 14-15-3 ATS away from Cleveland. The under is a better bet in Cavs away games with an 18-14 record, but the over is the way to go if looking at recent form as four of Cleveland's last five have combined to go over the closing total.
Utah may have covered its last two games in wins, but the Jazz were dreadful versus the number before that. Prior to these last two wins, the Jazz had failed to cover in seven of their last eight, including an outright loss as a double digit home favorite against the woeful Nets.
The Jazz have looked better lately, but Cleveland is playing on a different level right now. If Utah has any chance, Favors needs to play another great game against a quality big man and outshine Kevin Love.
Assuming he can, Utah has a chance to get the cover here. Otherwise, back the Cavs.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! Bet on the NBA today as the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Utah Jazz square off Monday, March 14, 2016 at 9:30 p.m. ET at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The matchup will be televised nationally on ESPN.
