Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction

🔮 Expert Prediction

Cavs vs. Pelicans isn't exactly must-watch TV, but there's still a game to be played. The real battle here is between Darius Garland and CJ McCollum. Garland’s averaging nearly 20 points and 8 assists for Cleveland, and he'll need to control the tempo against McCollum, who's been a bright spot for New Orleans with 26.8 points since the trade.

The Pelicans have dropped five of their last six, and even with McCollum's scoring, they struggle to put together consistent efforts. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have been humming, winning seven of their last ten and locking down defensively. They held the Raptors to 99 points just a few nights ago. I think the Cavs' collective talent and home-court advantage will be too much. Cleveland wins this one easily, 115-98.