The Cleveland Cavaliers will visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, January 12th, in the second of two meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers won their first matchup by a score of 114-96 back in November.
The 26-16 Cavaliers are tied for fourth place in the Eastern Conference and have won four of their last six games. Cleveland has struggled offensively as they rank 26th in points per game. However, their offensive rating ranks 11th. The Cavaliers have, however, been elite on the less flashy side of the ball, ranking first in opponents points per game and second in defensive rating.
The 19-21 Trail Blazers are tied for ninth in the Western Conference and are on a four-game losing streak. Portland has struggled on the offensive end, ranking 23rd in points per game and 15th in offensive rating. The Trail Blazers have been slightly better on the defensive end as they rank 12th in opponents points per game and 17th in defensive rating.
The Cavaliers are 8-12 on the road, while the Trail Blazers are 9-7 at home.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Match Details
Fixture: Cleveland Cavaliers at Portland Trail Blazers
Date and Time: Thursday, January 12th, 10:00 p.m. EST
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet at FanDuel Sportsbook
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Injury Report
The Cavaliers will be without forward Dean Wade, who is out with a left shoulder sprain, while forward Dylan Windler, who is yet to make his season debut, is also sidelined with a right ankle sprain. Point guard Ricky Rubio is listed as questionable. However, he is expected to make his season debut as he has recovered from ACL surgery on his left knee.
Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain. Forwards Nassir Little and Justise Winslow will both miss Thursday's contest with a right hip fracture and left ankle sprain, respectively.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Odds and Spread
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet at FanDuel Sportsbook
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Starting 5s
Cavaliers - PG Darius Garland, SG Donovan Mitchell, SF Isaac Okoro, PF Evan Mobley, C Jarrett Allen
Trail Blazers - PG Damian Lillard, SG Anfernee Simons, SF Josh Hart, PF Jerami Grant, C Jusuf Nurkic
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Prediction
The Cavaliers have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers have failed to find consistency. With Damian Lillard banged up and questionable to play, this game may get out of hand quickly. Even if the star does suit up, however, expect Cleveland to win by at least four points.
Prediction: Cavaliers -3 (-110)
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet at FanDuel Sportsbook
Trail Blazers Nation! You can check out the latest Portland Trail Blazers Schedule and dive into the Trail Blazers Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.