Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors: Preview, odds, best bets, how to watch, more

The Cleveland Cavaliers dropped a nailbiter to the Grizzlies last time out, but can they find redemption against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors?

Bettors in Ohio can still take advantage of our great signup offers. OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Must register with an eligible promo code.

Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if the wager is settled as a loss. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Game Details:

• Location: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, OH
• Time: Friday, January 20th at 7:30 p.m. ET
• Channel: TNT

Betting odds:

• Spread: CLE -7.5
• Moneyline: CLE (-305), GS (+240)
• Over/Under: 225.0 points

Matchup:

The Cavs were without Donovan Mitchell in their loss to Memphis but he should be back in action on Friday, which is great news for Cavs fans. He leads the team in scoring with 28.4 points per game and has elevated his game to an entirely new level this year.

Considering the Cavs were up against the league’s best defense in Memphis and without their heart and soul, losing in such a narrow fashion almost has to be commended. They now have to try and find a way to keep pace with Golden State, who lead the league in assists. While they may not be as explosive as they have been in years past, the selfless mentality remains and is why this team is able to consistently overcome injury setbacks.

Speaking of the Warriors, they have won all 10 of the last head-to-head clashes with Cleveland. Granted, the Cavs have only just been able to turn over a new leaf and find a real foundation for their future, but that’s still a remarkable stat and one worth considering when betting on this game.

Steph Curry predictably leads his team in scoring with 29.4 points per game. The W’s have recovered well from a shocking start to the year and are 17-5 at home. That record is flipped on the road, which is almost as shocking as the streak statistic. 

This game promises to be a really exciting one for several reasons. The 2022 Finals MVP, Steph Curry, is going to have to find a way to get the Warriors firing on the road against a stout Cleveland defense, one he is all too familiar with. While the faces may change, the atmosphere most certainly will not. 

The Cavaliers are 19-4 in home games, scoring 111.6 points and outscoring opponents by 4.5 points per game. Meanwhile, the Warriors are 5-18 in road games. In stalemates like this, the stars need to shine brightest.

Prediction:

Cavaliers 114 – Warriors 109

Players to watch:

Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers

It goes without saying but Donovan Mitchell is going to have to be at his best on Friday. We know just how talented and his 70-point breakout is still fresh in the minds of many. In his first game against Golden State as a Cavalier, he put up 29 points and 10 boards along with 9 assists. Another effort like that might be enough to end that shocking 10-game losing streak against the Warriors.

Klay Thompson | Warriors

The second splash brother could be primed for a big game here. He put up 26 last time out and has averaged 18 points per game against the Cavs in his career. He was very quiet against them in November, scoring only 5 points in 9 minutes of play. The Warriors will need to get Klay hot early if they’re going to try and end their misery on the road.

Prop Bets: 

Darius Garland Over 23.5 Points -130
Jordan Poole Under 28.5 points -115
Jarrett Allen Assists Over 2.5 +180

Check back later in the day as odds become available 

For more NBA coverage, like this Cavaliers and Warriors preview, visit amNY Sports.com