Golden State Warriors at Cleveland Cavaliers odds, picks and predictions

Nathan Beighle

Sportsbook Wire

The Golden State Warriors (12-2) travel to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Thursday to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (9-7). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers at Warriors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

I wouldn't bet this one until we know the status of two-time MVP Stephen Curry. He's questionable with a hip contusion and is likely a game-time decision.

Even if you'd like to back the Warriors - as I do considering their top-tier bench - the odds will drastically change if Curry can't go. He's coming off a 37-point performance in a 117 - 99s thrashing of the Brooklyn Nets Tuesday and his absence would be a big loss. Aside from Curry, F Draymond Green and G Andrew Wiggins have both elevated their play of late.

The Cavaliers are likewise very banged up. Guard Collin Sexton and forward Evan Mobley are expected to miss while big Jarrett Allen is likely a game-time decision, which bodes well for Golden State. The Cavaliers haven't scored 100 points in their last five games and enter on a two-loss skid.

The Cavs are heavy underdogs at home as they likely enter without three of their top-five scorers.

Warriors at Cavaliers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports' betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:20 p.m. ET.

Money line: Warriors -550 (bet $550 to win $100) | Cavaliers +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
Against the spread (ATS): Warriors -8.5 (-110) | Cavaliers +8.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 206.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Warriors at Cavaliers key injuries

Warriors

PG Stephen Curry (hip) questionable
SF Andre Iguodala (hip) out
SG Klay Thompson (Achilles) out
C James Wiseman (knee) out

Cavaliers

G Collin Sexton (knee) out
F Evan Mobley (elbow) out
C Jarrett Allen (non-COVID illness) questionable

Warriors at Cavaliers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Warriors 105, Cavaliers 98

Money line

PASS on the money line.

All aspects of this situation aren't ideal. The Warriors aren't -550 favorites if Curry is sidelined, and even if he does play, this is a bad value for what should be a clear win.

The Cavaliers are also too injured to even consider for the upset. This would be a game I'd love to toss something on Cleveland but not without Sexton, Mobley and potentially Allen.

Against the spread

"LEAN" to the WARRIORS -8.5 (-110) for a partial-unit bet. The Warriors are a great team and have easily the best defense in the NBA.

They'd likely be double-digit favorites with Curry in the lineup but it feels like his absence is baked into this number. Their bench play also takes a hit without Iguodala.

The Cavaliers have the sixth-best defensive rating but gave up 109 to the Nets as both their two defensive stalwarts were sidelined.

That said, the Warriors bench averages the sixth-most points per game and most threes per game. Golden State may be led by Curry but their culture is one that should be on full display as they have many talented players behind him.

With G Damion Lee having a career year and likely to slide in for Curry if he does miss, the Warriors should still have a dynamic team. Green's leadership should still provide them enough stability to come out on top by double figures.

Golden State has nine double-digit wins this season, and the Cavaliers aren't the 9-7 Cavs that opened the season when they're without three of their top-five scorers. Back Golden State in this one.

Over/Under

BET on the UNDER 206.5 (-115). While this total seems almost unreasonably low, there's no denying that there should be skepticism as to how the Cavaliers are going to score.

Guard Ricky Rubio is averaging under 40% from the field, and G Darius Garland typically thrives off having Allen and Mobley in the offense.

Golden State doesn't have an elite scorer aside from Curry, and G Jordan Poole's production has been too inconsistent to bet on. Their bench is phenomenal, but without Curry, I don't see them having an explosive game offensively.

Both teams have top-six defensive ratings as well. Considering all the injuries, I'd back the Under despite it being on the lower side.

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