The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA of late. The problem is, they are getting chased by a team playing even better. Cleveland has won nine of its past 10 games but sits only a half-game ahead of the 76ers in the standings because Philadelphia has reeled off 11 straight wins.
The Cavaliers want to hang on to the No. 3 seed and can take a big step in that direction by knocking off the Washington Wizards next time out. The Wizards have been struggling lately but hope the return of star point guard John Wall will help them find a rhythm as the playoffs await.
Washington has clinched a berth but is in a three-way tie for the Nos. 6 through 8 seeds in the East, so a good finish would help the Wizards draw a more desirable first-round matchup. This is going to be a tough contest as the Cavaliers will certainly be the favorites in NBA basketball betting.
Don't miss the hardwood action from Quicken Loans Arena at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Catch every moment of the game live on TNT.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Thursday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Cavaliers are 48-30 straight up and 30-47-1 against the spread on the year. Cleveland is 13-25-1 against the spread at home this season. The Cavaliers are just 18-42-1 against the spread as the favorite on the year and will aim to buck that trend in this one.
The Wizards have a mark of 42-35 straight up and 35-41-1 against the spread. Washington has covered in 20 of 38 tries on the road. The Wizards are 17-10 against the spread as the underdog and will look to cover or pull the upset against the Cavaliers.
Player To Watch
LeBron James is 33 years old now but still playing like the best in the world. He has carried this Cavaliers team through plenty of turmoil and now has it in position to make a serious postseason run. The Cavs picked up a big-time win over the East-leading Toronto Raptors last time out as James finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. He hit 8-of-14 shots from the field and half of his six three-pointers.
James has been fantastic this season, averaging 27.4 points, 9.1 assists and 8.7 rebounds per game. He is shooting a sparkling 54 percent from the floor and is showing no signs of slowing down as he gets to an age when normal players start to lose a step.
Injury Report
The Wizards recently got back star point guard John Wall from a knee injury. Wall missed 27 games before coming back in a win over the Hornets on March 31. Wall played 33 minutes in that contest, finishing with 15 points and 14 assists, although he only shot 6-of-17 from the field.
He sat out the next game against the Bulls because it was the second game of a back-to-back before returning last time out in a loss to the Rockets. Wall played 33 minutes again in that one, compiling just nine points and 10 assists while turning over the ball eight times.
It seems like Wall is rusty but is certainly a big-time key to the Wizards’ fortunes. If he can play well in this one it will give Washington a chance at pulling out the victory.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Cavaliers have a lot at stake as they try to stay ahead of the surging 76ers in the standings. Cleveland has gone through a lot of ups and downs this season between injuries and trades but is finally finding a groove.
Look for that to continue with a home win against a Wizards team that is trying to find itself as Wall gets reinserted into the lineup. This game could be close throughout, with the Cavaliers getting some big plays down the stretch from James before hitting its free throws to wrap up the victory in NBA basketball odds.
NBA Odds: Cavaliers 114, Wizards 107
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