Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors Betting Preview

Date & time: Sunday, December 25 ,2:30 PM

Venue: Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland)

Head to head record

Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers 89-93 (2015/2016 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors 115-101 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers 97-112 (2015/2016 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors 97-108 (2015/2016 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors 120-90 (2015/2016 NBA)

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors prediction

Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors face each other in the replay of last season’s NBA finals. Warriors are hungry for revenge, but beating LeBron James and Co. at Quicken Loans Arena is easier said than done.

Cavs tough to beat at home

Cleveland Cavaliers continue where they left last term. Cavs have been producing splendid performances in the regular season and they sitting in top position in the Eastern Conference ahead of Sunday’s derby against Golden State Warriors. Tyronn Lue’s men rolled over Brooklyn Nets in a blow-out (119-99) and it has to be noted that LeBron James spent no more than 27 minutes on the court. Cleveland have been impressive at their Quicken Loans Arena of late and they are eyeing their seventh straight win in front of home fans. “The King James” has been averaging 25.3 points this season, but that’s a usual thing. Former Minnesota Timberwolves ace Kevin Love has been playing above expectations this season as he is scoring 21.9 points per game. Anyhow, the title holders are eager to prove their worth in the clash against Golden State Warriors and it remains to be seen if they are capable of recording their fourth consecutive win over Steve Kerr’s charges.

J.R. Smith suffered a thumb injury and he will be out of contention until March, whereas Chris Andersen is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Warriors hungry for revenge

Golden State Warriors were outplayed by Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015/2016 NBA finals and, no doubt, they will give 100% to regain the trophy. The club owners reinforced the squad in the summer, with Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant joining the team and it is no surprise Warriors are regarded as main favourites to win the NBA title. Steve Kerr’s troops occupy first place in the Western Conference, but the star-studded team have already suffered four defeats this season. The last season’s runners-up failed to impress in Friday’s game against Detroit Pistons, but they eventually came from behind to beat Jeff Bower’s team 119-113. It seems as if Stephen Curry is waiting for the NBA play-offs to begin, but I am positive that he is going to take the Cavs clash very seriously. Klay Thompson has been in a fine form of late as he has been averaging 18.7 points in previous ten games.

Center Zaza Pachulia has overcome his injury, meaning that coach Steve Kerr has a full squad to choose from ahead of the trip to Cleveland.

Interesting facts

• LeBron James scored 68 points in previous two encounters against Warriors
• Cleveland scored 114+ points in five of their last six home games
• Warriors conceded 100+ points in each of their previous five away matches
• Cavs are after their fourth consecutive win over Warriors
• Golden State are on a seven-game winning run in the league

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors betting pick

Golden State Warriors are individually superior to Cleveland Cavaliers, but Cavs are more of a team than Warriors. Seeing that Quicken Loans Arena will host Sunday’s derby, a close encounter appears on the cards. Anyhow, Steve Kerr’s men want this win more as they are eager to get their revenge on Tyronn Lue’s troops for the defeat in the last season’s finals and that is the main reason why away win should be considered.

Pick: Golden State to win

Odds: -125