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  3. New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Thu 7:30 PM ET
New Orleans Pelicans logo
New Orleans
Pelicans123
16-12
versus
Cleveland Cavaliers logo
Cleveland
Cavaliers104
16-12
Final
Team1234T
New Orleans Pelicans36302829123
Cleveland Cavaliers28242428104
NBA · New Orleans Pelicans at Cleveland Cavaliers

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Pelicans to Test Cavaliers' Endurance with Third Game in Four Nights on Thursday

Game time: December 21, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET

Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse — Cleveland, OH

Article updated Dec 21, 12:14 PM EST

Published by SportsJaw Editorial Team

The New Orleans Pelicans are set to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in an inter-conference matchup on Thursday night. The Pelicans recently suffered a last-second loss to the

Game outlook

The New Orleans Pelicans are set to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in an inter-conference matchup on Thursday night. The Pelicans recently suffered a last-second loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Cavaliers have won two consecutive games and are looking to extend that streak at home. The betting odds favor the Cavaliers though the current line is New Orleans -1.5. The tip-off is set for 7:30 PM EST.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Pelicans -121 | Cavaliers +105

Spread: Pelicans -1.5 (-110) | Cavaliers +1.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 229 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cleveland will win straight-up is 51%.

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans are returning to action after a tough loss against Memphis Grizzlies. Brandon Ingram lead the team with 34 points while Zion Williamson's fatigue due to foul trouble contributed to 13 points. The Pelicans have been hindered by injuries throughout the season, with numerous players missing games, but their inconsistency could be linked to their overall offensive and defensive stats. They show promise despite injuries and have an average rating of 7 in the NBA.

Cleveland Cavaliers Analysis

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter Wednesday night's game with a 16-12 record, ranking them 2nd in the Central Division. Despite recent injuries to Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, the Cavs have managed to post defensive numbers in the top 10. Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill have been able to cover the losses of their teammates and rely on defense to persevere. The team averages 112.00 points per game for offense while giving up 111.93 points per game defensively. They average 44.04 rebounds per game and have a field goal percentage of 47.50%, a free throw percentage of 77.26, and a three pointer percentage of 34.97. Defensively they allow 45.72% field goal percentage, 79.07% free throw percentage, and 36.28% three pointer percentage, while averaging 43.41 defensive rebounds per game.

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Picks are opinions, not guarantees. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

Pelicans Primed to Take Advantage of Cavs' Tired Legs on Thursday Night

The Pelicans will have a day to analyze their loss to the Grizzlies before travelling to Cleveland to face the banged-up Cavaliers. With Mobley injured, Williamson and Ingram should have an opportunity to take advantage of a favorable matchup. The Pelicans are a stronger rebounding team than the Cavaliers, and this will only be exacerbated by Mobley's absence. Therefore, Williamson should be able to create scoring opportunities against the Cavaliers. Williamson only played 24 minutes against the Grizzlies, meaning he should be physically ready to perform on Thursday night. Mitchell will be tested defensively against the Cavaliers, as he will be facing a side playing its third game in four nights. The Pelicans may be the better option for bettors.

SportsJawGame Predictions
Predicted score

Unavailable for this preview

Projected winnerUnavailableConfidencelow
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Published pick: Unavailable

Pick on the Total

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#NewOrleansPelicans#ClevelandCavaliers

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Written by

SportsJaw Editorial Team

SportsJaw published this archived preview from its original game-day article. Its prediction and quoted lines are preserved as written.

About our editorial process

SportsJaw Pelicans vs Cavaliers archived game preview contains historical odds and availability that may no longer be current. View history of past Pelicans vs Cavaliers matchups or learn how our predictions work.

Current matchup data

Lines, trends and availability

Line movement since open

  • Moneyline · New Orleans Pelicans-105 → -172Moved
  • Moneyline · Cleveland Cavaliers-115 → +152Moved
  • Spread · New Orleans Pelicans+1 (-110) → -4 (-110)Moved
  • Spread · Cleveland Cavaliers-1 (-110) → +4 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Over228.5 (-110) → 224.5 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Under228.5 (-110) → 224.5 (-110)Moved

ATS and O/U trends

New Orleans Pelicans
16-12 matchup record · 6-4-0 ATS · 6-4-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file
Cleveland Cavaliers
16-12 matchup record · 6-3-1 ATS · 5-5-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file

Injuries and availability

From the published research (2023-12-21T17:14:36.123Z). Availability may have changed; review the cited sources.

New Orleans Pelicans are returning to action after a tough loss against Memphis Grizzlies. Brandon Ingram lead the team with 34 points while Zion Williamson's fatigue due to foul trouble contributed to 13 points. The Pelicans have been hindered by injuries throughout the season, with numerous players missing games, but their inconsistency could be linked to their overall offensive and defensive stats. They show promise despite injuries and have an average rating of 7 in the NBA.

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter Wednesday night's game with a 16-12 record, ranking them 2nd in the Central Division. Despite recent injuries to Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, the Cavs have managed to post defensive numbers in the top 10. Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill have been able to cover the losses of their teammates and rely on defense to persevere. The team averages 112.00 points per game for offense while giving up 111.93 points per game defensively. They average 44.04 rebounds per game and have a field goal percentage of 47.50%, a free throw percentage of 77.26, and a three pointer percentage of 34.97. Defensively they allow 45.72% field goal percentage, 79.07% free throw percentage, and 36.28% three pointer percentage, while averaging 43.41 defensive rebounds per game.

The Pelicans will have a day to analyze their loss to the Grizzlies before travelling to Cleveland to face the banged-up Cavaliers. With Mobley injured, Williamson and Ingram should have an opportunity to take advantage of a favorable matchup. The Pelicans are a stronger rebounding team than the Cavaliers, and this will only be exacerbated by Mobley's absence. Therefore, Williamson should be able to create scoring opportunities against the Cavaliers. Williamson only played 24 minutes against the Grizzlies, meaning he should be physically ready to perform on Thursday night. Mitchell will be tested defensively against the Cavaliers, as he will be facing a side playing its third game in four nights. The Pelicans may be the better option for bettors.

Recent head-to-head

No completed head-to-head result is available in the current history window.

Final result

Matchup pick recap

New Orleans Pelicans defeated Cleveland Cavaliers 123-104

New Orleans Pelicans defeated Cleveland Cavaliers 123-104 on December 21, 2023, a 19-point decision in the series. New Orleans Pelicans' strongest period was the 1st quarter, when it outscored its opponent 36-28. Against SportsJaw's recorded New Orleans Pelicans -4 (-110) spread, New Orleans Pelicans covered, while the 227 combined points finished over the recorded total of 224.5.

SportsJaw editorial picks

  • Projected winnerNo published selectionUnavailable

Tipster picks

  • DengWinsSpread · New Orleans Pelicans -1 (-110)Win
  • Kentc_Spread · New Orleans Pelicans -1 (-110)Win
  • Barry713Total · Under 229 (-110)Win
  • MtgoldsteinTotal · Over 229 (-110)Loss
  • CoolioSpread · Cleveland Cavaliers +3.5 (-110)Loss
  • CoolioTotal · Over 228.5 (-110)Loss
  • OddssharkSpread · Cleveland Cavaliers +3.5 (-110)Loss
  • OddssharkTotal · Over 228.5 (-110)Loss
  • CoversSpread · Cleveland Cavaliers +3.5 (-110)Loss