The Cleveland Cavaliers thrive inside the friendly confines of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. They’re an impressive 12-2 overall at home this season, including an 11-2-1 record against the spread.
On the road, it’s a different story, as the Cavaliers are 5-9 overall and 4-9-1 against the spread.
Even with their road woes, the Cavaliers are one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, and NBA betting odds reflect the team’s talent. It’s worth noting that legal sports betting launches in Ohio on Jan. 1. Currently, legal sportsbooks aren’t available in the state, but here’s a look at the Cavaliers’ futures odds at some of the sportsbooks soon expected to launch in Ohio.
Cavs a contender
Led by Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland has a roster filled with talented young players. Mitchell leads the team in scoring, averaging 29 points per contest. Darius Garland, who is only 22 years old, averages 21.4 points and 7.4 assists per game.
Mitchell is +3000 to win the MVP Award at most mobile sportsbooks, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel. PointsBet lists Mitchell at +3300 to win MVP.
Donovan Mitchell is such an angry dunker pic.twitter.com/8lZSs0bfIb
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) December 13, 2022
Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley form one of the more productive frontcourt duos in the league, with the two players combining for 29.3 points, 20 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Mobley is +1300 at FanDuel to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
The Cavs’ balance makes them dangerous, and it helps explain why they’re +950 at FanDuel to win the Eastern Conference. Only the Celtics (+160), Bucks (+250), and Nets (+700) have shorter odds, and Cleveland is +1900 at FanDuel to win the NBA Championship.
Important home games coming
The Cavaliers have been absurdly good at home, covering the spread in 78.6% of their home games. From Dec. 16-26, Cleveland will play six games — all of them at home — including matchups with Eastern Conference frontrunners Milwaukee and Brooklyn.
It’s an intriguing stretch from a betting perspective, and it’s also important for Cleveland’s season. A strong showing will keep the Cavaliers in the mix toward the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Photo: Dennis Schneidler/USA TODAY
