The sentimental journey continues for Kobe Bryant as he makes his last visit to Cleveland. Don’t expect the Cavaliers to be gracious hosts as they battle to stay ahead of Toronto in the Eastern Conference. For a change, the Lakers have played close games on the road, losing their last two by a combined six points and are 4-0 ATS in their last four away from home.
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SCHEDULING
Their four-game road trip leading into the break started well enough for the Lakers, who defeated New Orleans last Thursday for their second straight win. They dropped the next two in San Antonio and Indianapolis by a combined six points, so they’ve been more competitive, at least. The Lakers easily covered the last two games as a double-digit underdog and are 4-0 ATS in their last four outings.
Both teams will be playing their final game before the week-long All-Star break and the Cavaliers finish up a stretch of four straight at The Q in advance of the break. Cleveland has had plenty of success against the Western Conference, improving to 29-6 over its last 35 games and 15-5 this season with Monday’s 120-100 win over the Sacramento Kings. The Cavs have also won 16 of their last 17 regular season games over the West at The Q. Overall the Cavs own the third-best home record in the Association at 21-4, behind only the Spurs and Warriors, who are both undefeated. They are also 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.
INJURIES
Lakers center Roy Hibbert sat out the last game with a sprained left ankle and is questionable to play against the Cavaliers. Robert Sacre dusted off the cob webs and started Monday in Indianapolis. Also, forward Larry Nance Jr. remains sidelined with a knee injury and is not expected to return until after the All-Star break.
Matthew Dellavedova has missed four straight games with a hamstring injury. The plan is for the Cavs backup point guard to return following the All-Star break, but that could change depending on how he feels Wednesday. Mo Williams has filled in during Delly’s absence.
KEY MATCHUP
The Sacramento Kings were an easy mark for LeBron James’ first triple-double of the season, and the Lakers could be next. The King didn’t even need three quarters to register the trifecta on Monday. James posted 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Cavs’ 120-100 rout. His 10th rebound came with 1:13 left in the third and Cleveland ahead by 23 points. He didn’t play in the fourth quarter, enjoying his 40th career triple-double from the bench. James finished shooting 8 of 16 from the floor, a welcome stat for the Cavs. It was the second straight game he made 50 percent or more of his shots from the field and at least one three-pointer. That’s news because James was slipping into another shooting slump with three consecutive games under 50 percent from the field. He now faces another weak defensive team in the Lakers, who surrender nearly 106 points per game while allowing opponents to connect on 46.5 percent of their field goals. Nance Jr., LA’s best defensive option, likely would have the assignment of guarding James. However, he remains out of the lineup and the Lakers have no answer for James.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
The Lakers have been competitive lately thanks to strong play from Kobe Bryant, who is either feeling better from the numerous injuries he’s sustained or he’s just decided to play through it. Whatever the case, Bryant has turned back the clock with some vintage performances. He had gone four straight with better than 20 points, including a gargantuan effort against Minnesota last week when he dropped 38 on the Wolves. That streak ended on Monday, but not without a fight. Bryant scored 19 against the Pacers and attempted 11 shots in the final five minutes, only to come up short. LA’s offensive struggles have been a major reason for another slide by the iconic franchise. Even when they do play and shoot well, the defense is an issue that hasn’t been resolved. Look for the Cavaliers to take advantage and drop the Lakers to 1-9 in their last 10 roadies.
Cleveland 115, Los Angeles 102
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Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers will start at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at Quicken Loans Arena. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
