Lakers vs. Cavaliers Odds
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -110 | 226 -108o / -112u | +170 |
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -110 | 226 -108o / -112u | -205 |
Here's everything you need to know about Lakers vs. Cavaliers on Wednesday, October 30 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today's game.
LeBron James will return to his hometown to take on the Cavaliers as the Lakers aim to improve to 4-1 to start their season. Can they hand the Cavaliers their first loss or will Cleveland remain undefeated? My Lakers vs. Cavaliers prediction is below.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers look much improved under JJ Redick's leadership. They rank ninth in adjusted net-rating despite playing the toughest schedule in the NBA, according to dunksandthrees.com.
It’s been an impressive start, but it is important to highlight that the underlying metrics and shot profile look nearly the same as last season. They have a lower 3-point attempt rate than last season and a lower rim rate, but a higher mid-range rate.
Their transition defense has been awful, allowing 149 points per play in transition and ranking last in transition points added per 100 possessions, according to Cleaning the Glass.
When digging into their first four games, I find it highly plausible that a lot of their success is due to outlier shooting performances as they are shooting 40% from 3. Anthony Davis has been excellent, but he runs into a difficult matchup here against Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Davis is averaging a career-high 1.28 points per shot attempt. Austin Reaves is shooting 52% from 3 and Rui Hachimura is shooting 62% from 3. I admit the Lakers are improved, but that admission must come with the reality that they are shooting aggressively above expectation.
This team still ranks 27th in defensive effective field goal percentage allowed and last in transition defense. If the 3-point shooting drops, we might be looking at the same old Lakers.
We should also highlight James' struggles as the Lakers have been +12.5 points better with him off the court than with him on. That’s obviously concerning given his age and if James falls of a cliff, this team has no chance to compete for a title.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are 4-0 both straight up and against the spread. They are second in offensive rating, fourth in defensive rating and look to be the clear-cut second-best team in the East thus far.
The Cavs are a really solid and deep team that have multiple ways to win. I love this matchup for them as they have a plethora of bigs to throw at Davis, the Lakers clear No. 1 option right now. The Lakers also rank fourth in offensive rim rate, but the Cavs rank fourth in the NBA in rim FG% allowed.
Lakers vs. Cavaliers
Betting Pick & Prediction
I like the Cavs at -5 as I view this team as at least three points better than the Lakers on a neutral floor. Cleveland has the bigs to defend the rim and I think the Lakers are being overrated due to outlier shooting performances.
I’d play this to -6 and would strongly consider Cavs alt spreads as well.
