Cleveland Cavaliers vs L.a. Lakers Picks and Predictions October 30th 2024

Cavaliers vs Lakers October 30th 2024

At 7:00 ET, the Los Angeles Lakers (3-1) will travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers (4-0) in a non-conference matchup. The Cavaliers are favored by 5 points and the over/under is set at 224.5.

This game will be televised on SN-LA and will be played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Lakers vs. Cavaliers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Los Angeles Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers
• Where: Cleveland at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
• Date: Wednesday, October 30th
• Betting Odds CLE -5, LAL +167 | CLE -198 O/U 224.5

The Lakers Can Win If…

The Lakers dropped to 3-1 on the season after a 109-105 road loss to the Suns on Monday. Los Angeles entered the game as +4.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 214, falling short of the 228.5 O/U line.

Los Angeles started strong, going on a 10-0 run early and finishing the 1st quarter up 34-25. However, they struggled in the 2nd quarter, scoring just 14 points. After bouncing back in the 3rd quarter, outscoring Phoenix 35-26, the Lakers couldn’t hold on in the 4th, where they were outscored 33-22.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 29 points and 15 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field in their 109-105 loss to the Suns. Austin Reaves contributed 23 points, hitting 5 threes at a 55.6% rate, while Rui Hachimura added 20 points and 10 rebounds, making all 3 of his attempts from deep.

The Lakers connected on 14 threes, shooting 43.8% from beyond the arc, though their overall field goal percentage was just 41.5%. Davis scored 16 points in the 1st quarter, while Reaves added 9 in the 4th.

The Lakers put together a solid defensive effort for three quarters, giving up just 25 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters and 26 in the 3rd. However, they allowed 33 points in the 4th, leading to a 109-105 loss to the Suns.

Los Angeles held Phoenix to 30% shooting from beyond the arc, with the Suns making 11 threes. The Lakers also recorded 35 defensive rebounds, allowed 9 offensive boards, and finished with 5 steals and 6 blocks.

• Across their last five road contests, Los Angeles has a 4-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 1-4, while averaging 104 points per game.
• Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Lakers have a strong record vs the spread going 3-0. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
• Over their last five games, the Lakers have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 5-0 vs. the spread.

The Cavaliers Can Win If…

The Cavaliers improved to 4-0 on the season with a 110-104 win over the Knicks on Monday. Cleveland, who entered the game as +3 point underdogs, not only won but also covered the spread. The combined score of 214 points fell short of the O/U line of 222.5.

After leading 22-18 at the end of the 1st quarter, the Cavs fell behind after a 34-23 2nd quarter in favor of the Knicks. Cleveland edged New York 29-26 in the 3rd quarter and then dominated the 4th, outscoring the Knicks 36-26 to seal the win.

In their 109-105 loss to the Suns, the Lakers shot 41.5% from the field but connected on 14 threes at a 43.8% rate. Anthony Davis led the way with 29 points and 15 rebounds, scoring 16 of his points in the opening quarter.

Austin Reaves added 23 points, hitting 5 threes at 55.6%, with 9 points coming in the 4th quarter. Rui Hachimura contributed 20 points, making all 3 of his attempts from deep.

The Cavaliers’ defense was strong enough to secure a win against the Knicks, allowing 104 points. They started well, giving up just 18 points in the 1st quarter, but struggled in the 2nd, allowing 34. Cleveland tightened up in the 3rd and 4th quarters, giving up 26 points in each.

From beyond the arc, Cleveland held New York to 9 made threes on 32% shooting. The Knicks went 15/18 from the free-throw line. The Cavaliers also recorded 10 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

• Through their last ten home contests, the Cavaliers offense has averaged 107 points per game while allowing an average of 110. Cleveland posted an overall record of 4-6 while going 6-4 ATS.
• In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Cavaliers have a straight up record of 9-1 and an ATS mark of 7-3.
• In their last five games, the Cavaliers have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Coming in as the underdogs at +5, we have the Lakers as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 224.5, and our model predicts the Lakers and Cavaliers to score a combined 251 points. We recommend betting on the over.

NBA Basketball picks of the day

LeBron James Returns to Cleveland as Lakers Take on Undefeated Cavaliers: A Highly Anticipated Matchup

LeBron James heads back to Cleveland, bringing with him his son Bronny James, as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face off against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. This will be a nostalgic homecoming for LeBron, who has a record of 9-2 in Cleveland as an opponent. Yet, with the Cavaliers off to their best season start since 2016-17, this game promises to be a true test for both teams.

Cleveland Cavaliers: A Hot Streak in Full Swing

For the first time since LeBron last played for them, the Cleveland Cavaliers are 4-0, showcasing a balanced and efficient game that has captivated fans. Their impressive start includes a league-best field-goal percentage of 52.8% and a third-ranked scoring average of 123.5 points per game, indicating a well-rounded approach on both offense and defense. Their latest victory against the New York Knicks highlighted their resilience, as they came from behind at halftime to secure a decisive win.

The Cavaliers’ All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell has been leading the charge with 23.8 points per game, demonstrating both scoring prowess and leadership. Center Jarrett Allen has dominated on the boards, averaging 9.5 rebounds per game, giving Cleveland a significant advantage in the paint.

“We’re figuring things out on the fly,” Mitchell shared after the Knicks game. “It’s not always perfect, but we keep pushing—and that’s what I love about this group.” The Cavaliers’ early success signals a promising season, marked by teamwork and an upbeat, adaptable approach.

Lakers: A Mixed Start and Health Concerns for LeBron

The Lakers enter Wednesday’s game with a 1-1 record on their current five-game road trip, still finding their rhythm under new head coach JJ Redick. Despite LeBron’s struggles in their recent loss to Phoenix, where he shot only 3-of-14, he has averaged a respectable 20 points through the season’s early games. LeBron attributed his off night to a recent illness, stating after the game, “I’ve been better.” His ability to bounce back could be pivotal in a high-stakes game against his former team.

LeBron isn’t the only Lakers star in the spotlight—Anthony Davis has been leading the team offensively, topping the NBA with 32.8 points per game and drawing an impressive 12.8 free-throw attempts per game. Austin Reaves has also stepped up, contributing an average of 19.3 points, providing a third scoring option for the Lakers.

While LeBron’s presence on the court is essential, the Lakers are still heavily reliant on Davis. Their ability to diversify scoring and tighten their defense will be key against a Cavaliers squad that has consistently excelled on both ends of the court.

The LeBron-Bronny Dynamic: A Historic Father-Son Duo

One of the season’s most intriguing stories is LeBron playing alongside his son, Bronny James. While Bronny has only logged three minutes this season, the emotional significance of the father-son pairing has captivated fans worldwide. Bronny’s current role may be limited, but his presence on the team signifies a new chapter in LeBron’s career and could serve as added motivation during Wednesday’s game in Cleveland.

Strategic Considerations for Wednesday’s Game

1. Cleveland’s Balanced Offense vs. Lakers’ Dependence on Davis
   The Cavaliers’ efficient and diverse offense will challenge the Lakers, especially if LeBron isn’t at full strength. Cleveland’s depth, led by Mitchell and Allen, allows them to keep a steady scoring output. Meanwhile, the Lakers have leaned heavily on Davis to carry their offense, which could be a challenge against Cleveland’s balanced defensive setup.
2. High-Energy Defense Key for Both Teams
   Defensive intensity will be crucial in Wednesday’s matchup. The Cavaliers have demonstrated an ability to contain their opponents and force them into tough shots, and the Lakers will need a similar approach to disrupt Cleveland’s fluid offensive flow. Expect both teams to employ a physical, high-paced game plan, especially with Cleveland holding a home-court advantage.

LeBron’s Record in Cleveland: History on His Side

Despite the challenges, LeBron has historically excelled as an opponent in Cleveland, boasting a 19-3 overall record against the Cavaliers and averaging 28.5 points in these matchups. This track record, combined with his strong court presence, gives the Lakers an edge in what is expected to be a close contest. The Lakers swept the season series with the Cavaliers last year, and while Cleveland’s squad has improved, Los Angeles will look to build on this momentum.

The Cavaliers and Lakers will meet again on New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles, but for now, Wednesday’s game is set to be a compelling showdown with high stakes early in the season.

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