The Cleveland Cavaliers approach tonight’s game with an impressive eight-game winning streak, aiming to continue their success against the injury-plagued Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks have suffered three consecutive defeats and will be without Luka Doncic (calf) for the forthcoming month, while P.J. Washington (knee) is also deemed questionable.
Notwithstanding Dallas’ injury challenges, Cleveland commenced as a little 6.5-point favourite – a margin I anticipate they will surpass effortlessly in my predictions and NBA selections for the Cavaliers versus Mavericks on Friday, January 3.
Prediction for Cavaliers versus Mavericks
My optimal wager: Cavaliers –7 (+100 at bet365)
My assessment
The Cleveland Cavaliers have distinguished themselves in the Eastern Conference this season, commencing the year with 15 consecutive victories and now nearing another double-digit winning run.
The Cavaliers have not only been winning several games, but they have also been achieving decisive victories. Cleveland possesses an average plus-minus of 11.9, ranking second in the NBA, surpassed only by Oklahoma City at 12.2, and has successfully covered the spread in 72.7% of their games, leading all teams.
The Cavaliers have secured victories by a minimum of 10 points in each game of their current eight-game streak, and I do not anticipate this trend changing against a depleted Dallas Mavericks team.
The Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic for the fourth consecutive game, having recorded a 1-3 record in those matches, with losses by a minimum of 10 points in each of the last two games.
Doncic (28.1 ppg) and P.J. Washington (12.5 ppg) account for over one-third of Dallas’ scoring this season, and the Mavericks may be without both players tonight, as Washington (knee) is also listed as questionable.
This will impose significant pressure on Kyrie Irving, and although he is having a commendable season, the 32-year-old will not be able to independently sustain the NBA’s second-best offence.
