La Clippers vs Cleveland-cavaliers Picks and Predictions March 18th 2025

LA Clippers vs Cleveland-Cavaliers March 18th 2025

The Clippers are currently on a three-game win streak and are 38-30 overall. They are 4.5-point underdogs at home against the Cavaliers, who are 56-11 and have the best record in the NBA. The over/under line for this non-conference matchup is 231.5 points.

Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 ET at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. This game will be shown on FDSS.

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Cavaliers vs. Clippers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Clippers
• Where: Inglewood at Intuit Dome
• Date: Tuesday, March 18th
• Betting Odds CLE -4.5, CLE -183 | LAC +154 O/U 231.5

The Cavaliers Can Win If…

The Cavaliers’ season record fell to 56-11 after a 108-103 loss to the Magic on Sunday. Cleveland, who were -10.5 point favorites at home, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game came in at 211, falling short of the 222.5-point over/under line.

After a strong start, leading 38-25 after the 1st quarter, Cleveland went on an 11-0 run to extend their lead from 51-47 to 62-47. However, they couldn’t maintain their momentum, as Orlando outscored them 35-23 in the 3rd quarter and 26-20 in the 4th.

The Cavaliers struggled offensively in their 108-103 loss to the Magic, shooting just 41.7% from the field and hitting only 25% of their three-point attempts, making 10 threes overall. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 23 points, though he shot just 32.1% from the floor and 21.4% from beyond the arc.

Jarrett Allen was efficient, scoring 20 points on 72.7% shooting, while Darius Garland added 19 points, hitting 40% of his threes. Garland scored 10 points in the opening quarter, and Ty Jerome added 7 of his 12 points in the first period.

Defensively, the Cavaliers had strong 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up just 25 and 22 points, respectively. However, a 35-point 3rd quarter from the Magic proved costly in Cleveland’s 108-103 loss. The Cavaliers allowed Orlando to shoot 42% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Cavaliers allowed 13 threes on 41% shooting. Cleveland sent Orlando to the line 34 times, with the Magic converting 27 free throws. The Cavaliers finished with 32 defensive rebounds, 7 steals, and 1 block.

• The Cavaliers are 2-1 ATS in their three last road games and 3-0 straight-up.
• The last ten games that Cleveland was favored, they have an ATS mark of 4-5-1 while going 9-1 straight up.
• Over their last five games, the Cavaliers have an over/under record of 1-3-1 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Clippers Can Win If…

The Clippers improved to 38-30 on the season after a dominant 123-88 win over the Hornets on Sunday. Playing at home, Los Angeles entered the game as -13.5 point favorites and covered the spread with ease. The total score of 211 points fell short of the 225-point O/U line.

Los Angeles took control early, leading 65-41 at halftime after winning the first two quarters 32-21 and 33-20. They continued their strong play in the third quarter, outscoring Charlotte 30-21, and went into the fourth with a 95-62 lead. The Clippers edged out the Hornets 28-26 in the final quarter to close out the game.

James Harden’s 31 points and 10 rebounds led the Clippers to a 123-88 win over the Hornets, with 15 of his points coming in the 1st quarter. Harden hit 4 threes at 57.1%, while Kawhi Leonard added 23 points, 12 of which came in the 3rd quarter, shooting 75% from deep with 3 made threes.

The Clippers connected on 13 threes, shooting 50% from beyond the arc and 48.4% overall. Ivica Zubac contributed 17 points and 14 rebounds, and Derrick Jones chipped in 12 points, scoring 4 points in each of the first three quarters.

The Clippers put on a defensive clinic against the Hornets, holding them to just 88 points. They were consistent throughout, allowing 21 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters and just 20 in the 2nd. Even in the 4th, they gave up only 26 points.

From beyond the arc, the Clippers were particularly effective, limiting the Hornets to just 6 made threes on 18% shooting. They also sent Charlotte to the line only 9 times, where they made 8 free throws. Defensively, the Clippers recorded 10 steals and 5 blocks.

• The Clippers are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Clippers have a strong straight up record of 2-1. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.
• In their last five games, the Clippers have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Cavaliers is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 142-134. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Cavaliers at -4.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 231.5, and our model projects the Cavaliers and Clippers to reach a combined total of 276 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

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Clippers Face Major Test Against NBA-Best Cavaliers

The Los Angeles Clippers are riding a hot streak, winning six of their last seven games, but they’ll face their biggest test yet when they host the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.

Cleveland’s 16-game winning streak came to an end Sunday in a 108-103 loss to the Orlando Magic, and they’ll be looking to bounce back as they begin a five-game West Coast road trip.

For the Clippers, this game is a chance to measure where they stand in the Western Conference as they continue to integrate key players into their lineup.

Clippers Reinforce Lineup with Powell’s Return

Kawhi Leonard is finding his form after missing the first three months of the season with knee discomfort. But now, Norman Powell, the Clippers’ leading scorer, is trying to get back to speed after missing 12 of the last 13 games due to knee and hamstring injuries.

Powell played 23 minutes in Sunday’s 123-88 win over Charlotte, scoring seven points on 3-of-13 shooting.

“Being able to play 23 minutes is the most important thing,” Powell said.

Meanwhile, James Harden led the way with 31 points and 10 rebounds, while Leonard added 23 points in just 27 minutes.

With NBA Championship hopes in sight, Los Angeles is also working to integrate new arrivals Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ben Simmons, making this matchup a big test for the Clippers’ chemistry.

“No matter who’s in the lineup, we come out and compete,” head coach Tyronn Lue said. “Credit to our coaching staff for preparing us every night.”

Lue, who won an NBA Championship as Cleveland’s head coach in 2016, will face his former team as the Clippers look to climb in the NBA Pacific Division standings.

Cavaliers Look to Bounce Back After Rare Loss

The Cavaliers (best record in the Eastern Conference) saw their 16-game win streak snapped Sunday as they struggled to shoot the ball, hitting just 41.7% from the field and 13-of-20 from the free-throw line.

Donovan Mitchell scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half but went just 3-of-14 from beyond the arc. Jarrett Allen had 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Darius Garland added 19 points.

“A lot went wrong,” Allen admitted. “We missed open shots, but we did everything we could to give ourselves a chance.”

Cleveland now embarks on a challenging West Coast road trip, where they’ll try to maintain their position atop the NBA standings while keeping pace in the NBA MVP and NBA Defensive Player of the Year races.

Key Matchup & Betting Insights

• Clippers have won six of their last seven games and are rising in the Western Conference standings.
• Cavaliers are the NBA’s best team despite their 16-game win streak ending Sunday.
• Tyronn Lue faces his former team, adding intrigue to the matchup.
• NBA Championship odds, NBA Pacific Division standings, and NBA Eastern Conference leaders are shifting with each game.

For the latest odds, expert betting picks, and team analysis as well as insights from the EXPERT BETTING GUIDE.

Final Thoughts

Can the Clippers prove themselves as NBA contenders, or will the Cavaliers bounce back and continue their dominant run? With playoff positioning and momentum on the line, expect an intense battle in Los Angeles.