There are only four games on Tuesday’s slate, but that doesn’t mean we’re short on options. This Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Clippers matchup features the top seed in the East and one of the hottest teams out West. It could easily be the best game of the day.
How can we profit from the excitement?
Let me explain.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Clippers Best Bets
The Cavaliers control the Eastern Conference but remain motivated as they chase the league’s best record. For the Clippers, it’s a sprint to the finish as they try to win what amounts to a three-team race with the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves to avoid the play-in tournament.
Motivation is always worth monitoring this time of year — no concerns in this spot, and that makes the handicapping a little more straightforward.
Kawhi gettin' to his spots 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/pmjDahUki0
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 16, 2025
It’s easy to give the Clippers a defensive boost with a healthy Kawhi Leonard and assume the Cavaliers are defensive stalwarts with their strength and versatility inside — but be careful.
Leonard missed a few months to start the season. Their defensive numbers have largely stayed the same since he returned. There have been stretches of impressive play, don’t get me wrong, but the sample size shows things aren’t as different as you might assume.
On the other hand, Cleveland’s defense has cost me money lately, and I’m feeling burned. OK, maybe that’s strong — but I’ve been underwhelmed enough to pivot, at least for now.
I still think this is a good defensive team, but over their past nine games, their defensive rating is 4.3% worse compared to the previous nine. Maybe it’s fatigue? I don’t have a great answer, but they’ve struggled with consistency for more than two weeks, and that’s enough for me to adjust my approach until they prove otherwise.
They’re a bottom-10 transition defense this season, and that — along with their offensive potential — has fueled the league’s highest over rate (62.7%). I expect Los Angeles to get out and run. Their offensive rating is up 5.5% in that post-Leonard split I mentioned earlier.
That tracks.
While Leonard sitting out random games is a pain, we can’t complain about his usage when he’s on the court. In March, Leonard is averaging 36.1 minutes and 19.6 shots per game. When he’s out there, he’s making an impact.
That was the plan when the Clippers first brought him to town, and their supporting cast is trending in the right direction. James Harden looks like a version of his old Rockets self — averaging 37.8 minutes and 17.2 shots in March — perfectly setting the table for Leonard to shine.
Norman Powell returned over the weekend. Sure, he missed 10 of his 13 shots against the Charlotte Hornets, but just having him back adds critical depth to this offense — especially in a matchup like this, where interior production will be tough to find.
Speaking of the paint, Cleveland has the top two players in that area, but Ivica Zubac is playing well enough to help close that gap. He’s grabbed at least five offensive boards in three of his past four games, giving Los Angeles another way to put points on the board.
I probably don’t need to sell you on the Cavs’ firepower, but if I do, here you go:
- Donovan Mitchell: 5+ assists in eight of his past nine games
- Darius Garland: 10.3 3PA-plus-steals per game in March — nice versatility
- De’Andre Hunter: 5.4 FTA per game this month, showing more aggression
I’m hoping Evan Mobley plays tonight, but his status (foot, questionable) doesn’t change my angle. He’s shooting 38.1% from 3 in six appearances this month, showing growth as an offensive weapon. Still, Cleveland has plenty of options. If Mobley sits, the driving lanes open up for the Clippers — and that works, too.
Pick: Over 231.5 points (-110, DraftKings)
Pick: Largest comeback, 5+ points (-160, DraftKings)