It seems like the Golden State Warriors (22-23) are beginning to look like the team we were used to watching and will close out a five-game road trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers (28-18) on Friday. The game will feature teams with opposite offensive plans, with the Warriors wanting to play fast while the Cavaliers tend to slow things down.
On Wednesday, the Warriors made it a competitive game against the Boston Celtics but ultimately lost 121-118 in overtime. That same day, the Cavaliers lost 115-114 to the Memphis Grizzlies, covering a 7½ point spread, almost winning on a Darius Garland 3, but it was blocked.
Let’s check the latest NBA news, stats, injury report, and NBA lines for Warriors vs Cavaliers. We’ve plenty of NBA picks for you to consider.
Warriors Role Players Balancing Out
One of the biggest reasons for the continuation of the Warriors dynasty is the players around Stephen Curry. While Curry and his offense is the engine that makes the Warriors run, the scare of him catching a heater any night has allowed other players to thrive. The fact that he missed some time recently may have allowed the role players to get into a rhythm after struggling.
Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole have come alive recently, and when they are playing well, everything opens up for the Warriors. Thompson is averaging 29.2 points in the last nine games, shooting 44% from 3 on 12.2 attempts, with only one less than 24 points. Poole has been more consistent than in the earlier months of the season. He averaged less than 20 points per game in October and November but finished December at 26.8 and 24.5 through seven games in January.
It is just in time, with other key players returning from injury. Curry is playing his sixth game since missing 11, and Andrew Wiggins is working his way back after sitting out 15.
Cavaliers Offensive Question Marks
The evident strength of the Cavaliers is on defense. They allowed the fewest points per game and had the second-best defensive rating, which makes sense when the frontcourt features Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, two great rim protectors and switchable defenders. The issue with the offense is surprising, especially based on the talent on the roster.
While they feature two likely All-Star guards, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the team has the 12th-ranked offense rating and averages the fifth-lowest points per game. Some of that is because their pace is the worst in the NBA. That allows for fewer possessions during a game, which brings down the chances they have to score, and also does the same for their opponents, helping out their defensive stats.
This style of play has led to the Cavaliers being in many close games. But because of the talent on the team, most importantly Mitchell, who is seventh in clutch points, the Cavaliers have been able to win 16 of them, tied for the most. The issue is now that Mitchell is dealing with an injury and is listed day-to-day, that could put the Cavaliers’ offense in a bind as it did against the Grizzlies.
Warriors vs Cavaliers Game Injuries
Warriors vs Cavaliers Head-to-Head
The Warriors have not lost to the Cavaliers since 2015 in the regular season, which is 11 straight wins. That does not include the three times they met in the NBA Finals during that time, with the Warriors winning the series twice. The Warriors beat the Cavaliers earlier this season, 106-101, behind Curry’s 40-point night.
Warriors vs Cavaliers Game Information
- Game: Warriors (22-23) vs Cavaliers (28-18)
- Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
- Day/Time: Friday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m. EST
- Warriors vs Cavaliers Live stream: NBA Game Pass
Warriors vs Cavaliers Betting Lines
Warriors vs Cavaliers Picks & Prediction
The Warriors will try to keep their winning streak against the Cavaliers alive, but with the game being on the road, the chances of that are slim. They have the second-worst winning percentage in away games, despite them winning two of their last five. Still, it’s hard to believe they will outdo themselves against a solid Cavaliers team.
On top of that, the Cavaliers are a bad matchup for the Warriors because they want to slow down the game and keep things close. If Mitchell plays, that even leans the game more in their favor. But if he doesn’t, the Warriors may find their rhythm to make it close.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are listed at -275 in our Vegas lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Cavaliers, you have a chance to win $36. The Golden State Warriors is +225, offering a chance to win $225 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the NBA betting lines gives the Cleveland Cavaliers a 73.33% chance to win, with the Golden State Warriors at 30.77%.
Warriors vs Cavaliers Trends
Warriors vs Cavaliers Edge
Warriors vs Cavaliers Results
Warriors vs Cavaliers Game Summary
Cavaliers vs Warriors Previous Game (Nov.11 2022)
While the Cavaliers have been the better overall team, the Warriors have been good at home, getting all their wins at Chase Center. That will play a significant factor, as the Warriors need to build momentum, knowing the best place they can do that is at home.
However, the Cavaliers will not want to turn the struggles over the last two games into a pattern, which could result in them being locked in. It will be a close, high-scoring game, and the Warriors might have just enough scoring to pull it off.
