Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Preview | Nov. 6, 2024

The Cleveland Cavaliers look to stay unbeaten when they face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Donovan Mitchell and Co. top the NBA with an 8-0 record after dispatching the Milwaukee Bucks in back-to-back games. A win over the Pelicans will keep them ahead of the OKC Thunder (7-0) for the best record in the league.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans hope to bounce back from a two-game losing skid. The reeling hosts have also lost five of their last six outings. They have to snap out of their funk without Herbert Jones, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray. Zion Williamson and Jordan Hawkins are also ruled questionable.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds and Betting Tips

The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans will host the Cavaliers-Pelicans showdown. Basketball fans can stream the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Cavaliers (-305) vs. Pelicans (+245)

Spread: Cavaliers (-7.5) vs. Pelicans (+7.5)

Total (O/U): Cavaliers (o224.0 -110) vs. Pelicans (-224.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA because of their solid play on both ends. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland lead an offense that is second in offensive rating while its defense, anchored by Evan Mobley, is fifth in defensive efficiency.

The Cavs have also shown that they can win in different ways. They can do it with pace or a gritty defensive slugfest. Cleveland is a tough matchup for New Orleans, even if the Pelicans are healthy.

Three of the New Orleans Pelicans’ best players are out with injuries. If Zion Williamson isn’t cleared to play, he will be the fourth starter on the sidelines. Willie Green will continue leaning on Brandon Ingram as the No. 1 option on offense if “Zanos” is unavailable.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting lineups

Cavaliers

PG: Darius Garland | SG: Donovan Mitchell | SF: Dean Wade | PF: Evan Mobley | C: Jarrett Allen

Pelicans

PG: Jose Alvarado | SG: Brandon Boston Jr. | SF: Brandon Ingram | PF: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | C: Yves Missi

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans betting tips

Brandon Ingram gets a 23.5 (O/U) point prop on Wednesday. Without three starters to occupy Cleveland’s defense, Ingram could struggle to get over his points odds. The Cavs could collapse on him, particularly if Zion Williamson is in street clothes.

Williamson, if cleared to play, has a 27.5 (O/U) point prop. New Orleans has had trouble running its offense without Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum. The visitors’ elite defense, led by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, could keep “Zanos” under 27 points.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans prediction

The Cleveland Cavaliers would have remained favorites even if the New Orleans Pelicans were healthy. They have been executing well on both ends of the court, a trend that could continue against the injury-plagued hosts. Donovan Mitchell and Co. are likely rolling to their eighth straight win and beat the -7.5 spread.