Cavaliers vs. Magic Prediction, Picks for Monday, Jan. 22
Here's everything you need to know about Cavaliers vs. Magic on Monday, Jan. 22 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.
The Cavaliers will put their seven-game winning streak on the line when they visit the Magic on Monday night. Cleveland's been dominant during this stretch, winning by an average margin of 21.9 points.
Surprisingly, the Cavaliers put together this impressive run despite missing two starters, Darius Garland (jaw) and Evan Mobley (knee). Garland is Cleveland's second-leading scorer, averaging 20.7 points, while Mobley is third on the team with 16 points per game. Both players have been sidelined for over a month due to their injuries.
If we turn to Orlando, it picked up its second win in seven games with a 105-87 victory over Miami. However, fatigue could be an issue as the Magic get set to play the second leg of a back-to-back against a surging Cavaliers team.
Let's get to our Cavaliers vs. Magic prediction and pick.
Cavaliers vs. Magic Prediction
Pick: Cavaliers ML (-114)
Cavaliers Betting Outlook
Although the Cavaliers are averaging 120.3 points during this winning streak, their defense has really led the way. Per NBA.com, Cleveland leads the league with a 99.6 defensive rating dating back to the start of this run.
When speaking to reporters after their recent win against the Hawks, Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff described the importance of his team establishing a defensive identity.
"It's a mindset for us, no matter who the opponent is," Bickerstaff said. "If you come out and get a great lead, set the tone defensively that things aren't going to be easy, you put yourself in a position where people are chasing you all night."
The Cavaliers are indeed in a groove, and the results speak for themselves. Cleveland held each of its last three opponents under the 100-point mark.
Moreover, Cleveland limited six of its last seven opponents to 102 or fewer points.
In an era where much of the talk surrounding the league focuses on offensive production, it's refreshing to see the Cavaliers find their own path to success.
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Magic Betting Outlook
After a 14-5 start to the season, Orlando is just 9-15 in its last 24 games. The grinding nature of an NBA season can wear down most organizations, let alone a Magic team with the fourth-youngest roster in the league.
To its credit, Orlando is well ahead of schedule compared to where it was last season, given its 16-27 mark through 43 games.
Orlando's made tremendous strides defensively, improving from 17th in efficiency up to fourth. Unfortunately, the gains haven't been quite as dramatic on offense.
Like last season, Orlando still ranks in the bottom third of offensive efficiency. The Magic's biggest weakness is that it struggles from the perimeter. Orlando is dead last in 3-pointers with 10.7 field goals per game.
Thus, when Orlando falls behind in games, it has fewer options to mount a comeback.
Given the recent comments by the Cavaliers' head coach, you can be sure that Cleveland will be looking to establish that early lead before leaning on its defense to frustrate Orlando.
Cavaliers vs. Magic Picks, Odds
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-2 -112 | 215.5 -110 / -110 | -135 |
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+2 -108 | 215.5 -110 / -110 | +114 |
It's one thing to win games; it's another to do so while being as dominant as the Cavaliers have been. Cleveland's handed out lopsided defeats to its last three opponents.
The Cavaliers also covered the spread in six of their last seven games.
This isn't the time to step in front of this Cavaliers bandwagon, especially when facing an opponent on short rest.
According to our Action Labs database, the Cavaliers are a perfect 5-0 this season against teams on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Cleveland opened as a two-point underdog, but that number has completely flipped as it's now laying as many as 1.5 points.
Given that the Cavaliers are a short favorite, you can grab their moneyline with odds of -114 at BetRivers.
Pick: Cavaliers ML (-114)
