The NBA has seen scores of transactions this week leading up to Thursday’s deadline, but one thing has been constant: the Cleveland Cavaliers are a very good team.
My Cavaliers vs. Wizards predictions explain why the top team in the East will easily defeat the Washington Wizards tonight, even though it’s unclear if deadline addition De’Andre Hunter will play for Cleveland.
See my NBA predictions on Friday, February 7 and why I think Cleveland will score more points.
Prediction for Cavaliers vs. Wizards
The Cavaliers team totaling above 127.5 is my best wager (-115 at bet365).
My evaluation
The Cleveland Cavaliers added to their already nearly unstoppable offense by acquiring De’Andre Hunter from the Hawks ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
The explosive combination of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, who have both increased their game in recent weeks, lead Cleveland’s attack, which is currently the second-best in the NBA with 122.2 points per game.
Mitchell has scored 30 points or more in six of his last ten games, including his 31-point performance against the Celtics on Tuesday. Garland, meanwhile, has lost six of his last eight starts by more than 25 points.
In the last five games, including last Wednesday’s 126-point performance against a formidable Heat defense, Cleveland has averaged 126 points per game thanks to that.
The reconstruction The Washington Wizards traded away important rebounders Jonas Valanciunas and Kyle Kuzma as part of a number of trades made at the deadline. In terms of points against per game, the Wizards are in last place going into today (121.3), and I don’t think they can stop the Cavaliers’ potent offense.
As I expect Mitchell and Garland to have another successful night against a weak Wizards defense, I’m keeping things easy.
Since the calendar changed to 2025, Mitchell has averaging 24.2 points per game, and facing the NBA’s worst defense should help the star guard.
With 20+ points in 12 of his last 14 games, Garland has actually slightly outpaced his teammate at 24.4 points per game over that time.
Opening odds for the Cavaliers vs. Wizards game
Spread: Washington +17 (-110) | Cleveland -17 (-110)
Moneyline: Washington +1000 | Cleveland -2000
More or Less: More than 234 (-110) | Less than 234 (-110)
odds provided by bet365
Analysis of the Cavaliers vs. Wizards spread and over/under
After opening at -17.5, the Cavaliers have won four of their previous six games. After the trade deadline, the Wizards’ lineup looks very different tonight, despite the fact that they have shockingly gone 3-0 straight up and ATS over their last three games.
With an average win margin of 20 points, Cleveland has a 10-0 record in the last 10 encounters and a 2-1 ATS record in the three prior meetings this season.
The total started out at 234.5 points, but by Friday morning, betting had driven it up to 237.5.
This season (33–18), the Cavaliers have cashed the Over in 64.7% of their games, which is tied with the Grizzlies for the most.
Trend: Cavaliers vs. Wizards
In Cleveland’s last 14 away games, the Over is 11-3. See more Cavaliers vs. Wizards NBA betting trends.
How to watch the Wizards vs. Cavaliers game
WhereWashington, DC’s Capital One Arena
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
The tip-off time is 7:00 p.m. ET
TVMonumental Sports Network and FanDuel Sports Network in Ohio
Recent injuries for the Cavaliers vs. Wizards
Player Position Status for the Washington Wizards
Trade Pending for Khris Middleton SF Out: Reported on Friday, February 7.
Marcus Smart PG Out: Pending Trade Announced: Friday, February 7
Richaun Holmes PF Day-to-Day: Report of Illness: Friday, February 7
AJ Johnson SG Out – Trade Pending Reported: Friday, February 7 Malcolm Brogdon PG Day To Day – Foot Noted: Friday, February 7
Justin Champagnie’s reported day-to-day illness is Friday, February 7.
Ankle Alex Sarr PF Out
Date of report: Friday, February 7
Saddiq Bey’s knee injury was reported as being less severe on Thursday, January 30.
Status of the Cleveland Cavaliers Players
Personal Report for Sam Merrill SG Out: Friday, February 7
Trade pending for De’Andre Hunter SF Out: reported on Friday, February 7.
Shoulder Report for Isaac Okoro SG Out: Friday, February 7
Report of Dean Wade’s PF Out-Knee: Tuesday, January 28
