The road trip rolls on for the Cavs as their journey now takes them to L.A. for a battle with the Clippers. They had no problem disposing of the Nuggets in a low-scoring affair, having swept them in the season series a few years ago as well. This is a team fighting hard out there who is hoping to take another road contest.
It is going to be a bit tougher for the final two games, with the Lakers and Suns to follow this one. But, the Clippers are no slouch, Kawhi or not. The team is expected to be without Isaac Okoro, so it is kind of hard to say who replaces him and his nearly 30 minutes a night. The defense is going to take a major hit.
The Clips have been playing good basketball to begin the year, despite a 1-2 record. They have looked more than competent, PG having no issues taking the reigns as the top guy. Reggie Jackson is out here chucking shots, but it is only a matter of time before he gets hot like he did in last year’s playoffs.
As for what the expected outcome of this game should be, chalk it up to a bit of a surprise. It is not going to be a dominant L.A. win.
ODDS AND LINES:
The spread for Wednesday’s late start is set at LAC -8. The over/under is 217 points. The LAC Moneyline is -332, while the Cavs is +275.
Cavs Look for Third Straight Win
A season ago, the Cavs began the year with a three-game win streak. And now, having won back-to-back games against teams who made playoff runs last year, they could look to make it a third in a row against L.A. The Clippers are a tough team that plays strong perimeter D and buries threes often, so it won’t be easy.
But the Cavs are built for it. Jarrett Allen is continuing to dominate, while Evan Mobley grows acclimated to playing as a big man in the league. Lauri Markkanen is still finding his footing, while it appears the Ricky Rubio addition is paying wonders.
The team will have their hands full, but if they hold PG under 35, they’ll have a shot.
Clippers Seeking Move to .500
The Clips are a team that should not be messed with. Sure, they have been a bit short-handed this year, and the bench is not what it was during the playoffs. But even so, there is some real talent here, led by Paul George. Reggie Jackson and Eric Bledsoe will both have to step their games up, though.
Whether or not Marcus Morris plays, they’ll get good PF minutes from Nicolas Batum. And ex-Cav Isaiah Hartenstein will face his former team for the first time. He’ll have to contend with his old mate, the Fro.
A win will come from 15+ threes, PG getting 35+, and Ivica Zubac being the best big on the court.
Cavs Cover
The game will be tight, and the Cavs will cover the spread. Book it.
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