Cleveland Cavaliers (3-4) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (4-3)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 11/8/2023 – As the NBA season unfolds, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder face off on November 8th, with both teams looking to improve their standings. The Cavaliers, under .500, aim to climb the ladder while the Thunder hold a winning record early in the season. With the game set at the Paycom Center, fans and those following NBA expert picks are eyeing this match-up as a pivotal moment for both squads as they establish their positions in the early season shuffle.
The Cavaliers’ start, though slightly stumbling, isn’t without its silver linings. Averaging 107 points per game on a 44.9% shooting from the field, they demonstrate a disciplined offensive approach. The concern comes from beyond the arc, where they shoot just 32.3%, signaling a need for improvement. Their defense and rebounding numbers show a team that can contest on the boards, but their turnover rate of 13.3 per game and 20.3 fouls suggest a lack of discipline that could hinder their ability to sustain momentum during games.
Conversely, the Thunder have surged with an offense that boasts 117.4 points per game at a 49.3% field goal efficiency, including an impressive 38.8% from the three-point line. Their aggressive playstyle has them leading to more frequent visits to the free-throw line, where they excel with an 85.1% free throw percentage. The defensive end sees them slightly behind the Cavaliers in rebounds but compensates with better shot-blocking and steal numbers, creating a more disruptive presence.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 11/8/2023 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Paycom Center |
| TV: | BSOK |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Donovan Mitchell (SG) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG)
Donovan Mitchell has been the driving force for the Cavaliers this season, scoring 32.5 points per game and serving as an integral offensive catalyst. Additionally, his 2.3 steals per game show his two-way effectiveness; however, his turnover rate of 3.2 is cause for concern against an opponent like Oklahoma City Thunder who thrive on opponent mistakes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City stands out with an average scoring output of 25.7, and also contributes 7 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game – making him difficult to matchup as his 2.6 assist to turnover ratio suggests he makes more positive than negative decisions during games.
Mitchell and Gilgeous-Alexander face-off will be an exciting clash of offensive philosophies: Mitchell will feature his scoring prowess against Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around game, both have the potential to take control of games through head-to-head encounters which could provide highlight reel moments of this match-up.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers -135, Total Odds: 229.5
The Cavaliers are slightly favored in this match-up, which could be attributed to the expectation of their offense clicking into gear against a Thunder defense that, while disruptive, can be scored on. However, the point spread is tight, suggesting an anticipation of a close game.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Trends
Cleveland’s struggle against the spread (2-8 ATS) in recent games indicates a pattern of not living up to expectations. Their games have also trended UNDER, which could be insightful for bettors looking at the total, especially given their scoring challenges from deep.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
Oklahoma City has been a strong bet against the spread, going 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games. They’ve also performed well at home ATS and have a solid record in November (4-1 ATS). Their recent history against Eastern Conference and Central Division teams also suggests that they’re adept at handling opponents outside their usual conference competition.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 11/8/23 Betting Picks
The betting trends indicate a slight edge to Oklahoma City, particularly given Cleveland’s difficulties against the spread and on the road. The Thunder’s solid ATS performance, coupled with their high-scoring offense, should give them the momentum, especially in front of a home crowd.
The point total suggests a high-scoring affair, but with Cleveland’s tendency for the total to go UNDER, combined with the Thunder’s recent history against them, the under might be the more tempting bet. The Cavaliers will need Mitchell to have a standout game to compete, but the Thunder’s balanced attack, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, might prove too much to overcome.
Winning picks premium suggest leaning towards the Thunder to cover the spread, with the potential for the total to go UNDER as the Cavaliers fight to find consistency from the three-point line.
Free Pick and Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 112, Cleveland Cavaliers 107
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