The Oklahoma City Thunder (5-4) head to Quicken Loans Arena to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (1-9). The Thunder will attempt to prolong their five-game winning streak. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Ohio.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Odds
In their last game, the Thunder (3.5-point favorites) covered in a 122-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Cavaliers fell to the Orlando Magic, 102-100, but did cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The Oklahoma City game went 2.5 points over the projected point total of 235.5, while the Cleveland game went 12.5 points under the projected point total of 214.5.
Oklahoma City’s 10.1 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over New Orleans, who had a mark of 17.1. The Thunder’s mark was better than their season average of 11.7, while the Pelicans’ was above their season average of 12.0. Cleveland, on the other hand, had an effective field goal percentage of 0.575 (above their season average of 0.490). Cleveland was led by Tristan Thompson, who had 19 points and 16 rebounds. Paul George played a pivotal role for Oklahoma City with 23 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last matchup, the Cavaliers won 120-112. The Cavaliers’ 6.7 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Thunder, who had a mark of 8.0.
Of the Thunder’s nine games, five have finished over the total. Oklahoma City heads into the game with records of 5-4 straight up (SU) and 5-4 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas has been spot on when setting the O/U total of Cavaliers games, with an even split between overs and unders. Further, Cleveland owns records of 1-9 SU and 5-5 ATS.
It might be a sloppy game for the Cleveland offense. Since the 2017-18 season, Cleveland ranks 23rd in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 13.3 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Oklahoma City has forced the second-most turnovers in the NBA (15.4 percent). Conflicting styles will be on display in this contest. The fast-paced Thunder rank third in possessions per game, while the more methodical Cavaliers rank 28th.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Thunder rank 17th in three pointers attempted per game (30.3) while the Cavaliers rank 28th (31.0).
- Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (19.2) while Cleveland ranks 23rd in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.2).
- The Thunder rank seventh in points in the paint per game (44.4) while the Cavaliers rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (47.4).
- Oklahoma City ranks 12th in blocks per game (5.0) while Cleveland ranks 27th (3.7).
- Oklahoma City averages 15.1 fast break points per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 21st in fast break points allowed per game (12.0).
- The Thunder rank 10th in rebounds per game (45.1) while the Cavaliers rank 27th (41.9).
- The Thunder rank second in second chance points per game (15.1) while the Cavaliers rank 15th in second chance points allowed per game (12.7).
- Oklahoma City ranks 23rd in assists per game (21.1) while Cleveland ranks 26th (22.3).
- Oklahoma City averages 9.3 steals per game, which ranks first in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
- Cleveland is 22-6 when they allow below 100 points, while Oklahoma City is 23-6.
- The Thunder are 51-21 when they reach the century mark, while the Cavaliers are 59-27.
