Cavaliers vs Thunder Picks, Prediction: OKC to Cover -1½, Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32½ Points January 16

After the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder eight days ago, they will have a rematch, making for good NBA predictions. The Cavaliers won 129-122 in what was possibly the game of the season, and a great Finals preview.

In the Cavaliers’ last game, they faced the Indiana Pacers to close out a home and away split. They lost the first, ending a 12-game win streak, but won the second 127-117 on the road. Still, the BetUS Sportsbook might back the home team, the Thunder, who just beat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-102.

Cavaliers vs Thunder Game Information

• Game: Cavaliers (34-5) vs Thunder (33-6)
• Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
• Date/Time: Thursday Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Cavaliers vs Thunder Live Stream: Fubo.tv

Cavaliers vs Thunder Betting Preview

Take Oklahoma City -1½ vs Cleveland

If you missed the last game between these teams, that was your loss. It was one of the season’s best, and the Cleveland crowd brought a playoff atmosphere. Expect something very similar from the fans in Oklahoma City.

To get a good sense of this game, we will have to look at their previous matchup, which was recent enough to affect this one. At the time, NBA news was headlined by the Thunder being on a 15-game win streak, and the Cavaliers had won 10 straight. The Thunder’s streak ended that night, and they have won three straight since then, while the Cavaliers carried on to 12 in a row before losing to the Pacers.

However, the headlines are not what made this game fantastic, but the play on the court. No team had a lead bigger than nine points. The Thunder was led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 31 points, while Jalen Williams scored 25 and added nine assists. For the Cavaliers, despite Donovan Mitchell shooting 3 of 16 from the field, the others stepped up. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen stole the show, combining for 46 points, 21 rebounds and 13 assists.

Jarrett Allen in the biggest game of the season:

25 PTS
12 REB (8 OREB)
6 AST (0 TOV)
3 STL
9-11 FG (!!!)

The lights weren’t too bright. pic.twitter.com/Rc8vb4Y9eq

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 9, 2025

There is a lot to get excited about in this game, but it also feels like one the Thunder can win. Their defense is still rated first in defensive rating (103.6), and at home, the crowd should get behind them. They had no issue scoring against the Cavaliers in the last game, and now it is up to their elite defense to step in.

Bet on Thunder -1½ vs Cavaliers

This Time, Under 232½ is the Way to Go

When these teams matched up eight days ago, it felt like the Cavaliers, the home team, had control of the pace. They have the highest offensive rating in the league (121.9), and the game was played in their favor.

However, neither team was terrible on defense, and it was just good offense. The Cavaliers gave up 122 points to a Thunder team that averages 116.1 points per game, ranked ninth in the league. What helped the Cavaliers win was a great showing from Allen and Mobley, which the Thunder will now be prepared for. Plus, a fourth-quarter surge by Ty Jerome, with eight points, helped the Cavaliers cover in NBA spreads, something that seems unlikely.

An NBA-leading 102.9 defensive rating 🔒

Watch the BEST PLAYS from the @okcthunder‘s starting 5 ahead of tomorrow night’s REMATCH vs. Cleveland! pic.twitter.com/vfFHhdGIlB

— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2025

The Thunder’s elite defense will be prepared for these situations coming into this matchup on their home court. In that matchup, they could take Mitchell out of the game offensively. The Thunder should do that again, but they must ensure the rest of the Cavaliers roster has similar issues.

If the last game was to the Cavaliers‘ strength, this one should lean toward the Thunder. That means the under is a good option to take for betting.

Bet on Cavaliers vs Thunder Under 232½

Gilgeous-Alexander Ready For Another Big One, Take Over 32½ Points

Gilgeous-Alexander had a big game the last time he faced the Cavaliers with 31 points. Now, at home, he could have an even bigger night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoots an efficient 12/15 from the field as the @okcthunder win 18 of the last 19!

Jalen Williams: 24 PTS, 6 AST, 3 STL
Cason Wallace: 18 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST pic.twitter.com/qa5G6g2DM3

— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2025

Over the last nine games, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 33.2 points and leads the league at 31.4. He also had 32 points in the win against the 76ers, which leans NBA picks to back the over on his points total.

Bet on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 Points

More NBA Picks Today January 16

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Questions Of The Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.