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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 31, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 31, 2024 8:02 PM
The Cleveland Cavaliers, riding a seven-game winning streak, look to extend their dominance as they face off against the Los Angeles Lakers on New Year's Eve at Crypto.com Arena. With a stellar 28-4 record, the Cavaliers aim to secure their eighth consecutive victory, while the Lakers seek to bounce back from a mediocre 18-13 season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Los Angeles Lakers

Current Odds

CLE
LAL
Over
228.5
-105
Under
228.5
-105
CLE
-4.5
-107
LAL
+4.5
-102
CLE
ML
-164
LAL
ML
+162

Los Angeles Lakers recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/28/24 vs Sacramento Kings W 132-122
12/25/24 @ Golden State Warriors W 115-113
12/23/24 vs Detroit Pistons L 117-114
12/21/24 @ Sacramento Kings W 103-99
12/19/24 @ Sacramento Kings W 113-100

Cleveland Cavaliers recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/27/24 @ Denver Nuggets W 149-135
12/23/24 vs Utah Jazz W 124-113
12/21/24 vs Philadelphia 76ers W 126-99
12/20/24 vs Milwaukee Bucks W 124-101
12/16/24 @ Brooklyn Nets W 130-101

Los Angeles Lakers injuries

  • Jalen Hood-Schifino (G): Out
  • Anthony Davis (PF): Day-To-Day
  • LeBron James (SF): Day-To-Day
  • Jarred Vanderbilt (PF): Out
  • Gabe Vincent (PG): Day-To-Day

Cleveland Cavaliers injuries

  • Luke Travers (G): Out
  • Isaac Okoro (SF): Out

Cavaliers vs Lakers game info

Type Info
Venue crypto.com Arena
Location Los Angeles, CA
Tip-off Tue 9:00 PM

Cavaliers vs Lakers predictions

As the Cleveland Cavaliers set their sights on their 8th straight victory, the spotlight naturally turns to the dynamic duo in the backcourt, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. I reckon we can expect Donovan Mitchell to continue playing a crucial role. Averaging just over 23 points a game, he could easily be the difference-maker tonight, providing that explosive scoring burst he's known for. Meanwhile, Darius Garland, quietly smashing it with over 6 assists a game, should keep the offense ticking, threading those slick passes we all adore. Another key player to watch is Jarrett Allen. With his rebound numbers climbing to around 10 a game, he's bound to be a force on both ends of the court.

Switching over to the Lakers, they find themselves navigating through a few bumps in the road with their stars' availability as a question mark. Still, when Anthony Davis is on the court, his impact is undeniable—you know he’s going to crash those boards and post up serious numbers, maybe close to those 26 points on a good day. Let's not forget LeBron James. Even on a day when he's under the weather, his playmaking wizardry often shines through, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him lead the team in assists. Of course, Austin Reaves has been quietly stepping up as well; his scoring and knack for finding seams in the defense make him an interesting player to keep an eye on.

So, how do we see this matchup unfolding at the crypto.com Arena? Hard to ignore the potential chemistry issues with the Lakers' injury uncertainties, which gives the Cavaliers an edge, in my opinion. Cleveland's depth and their current winning rhythm might just tip the scales in their favor tonight. But hey, basketball is all about surprises, right? So whether it’s a buzzer-beater or a grinding win, tonight's game could well be one for the books, with the Cavs potentially nudging ahead to secure victory number eight.

Los Angeles Lakers

Cleveland Cavaliers

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