With Cleveland rolling, Tom Oldfield believes Donovan Mitchell can maintain his hot play and go Over his point prop vs. a weak Golden State defense.
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There haven’t been as many must-see clashes between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors since LeBron James left Ohio, but tonight’s clash definitely qualifies.
Cleveland sits at 27-4 after six straight wins, and my Cavaliers vs Warriors predictions and NBA picks target another big night for star guard Donovan Mitchell on Monday, December 30.
My best bet
Donovan Mitchell Over 23.5 points (-105 at bet365)
My analysis
There’s been a lot more variety in the Cleveland Cavaliers offense since Kenny Atkinson’s arrival, and that’s certainly helped take some of the scoring burden off Donovan Mitchell.
The new formula is working, with the Cavs flying high in the East, but Mitchell is still the most proven bucket-getter in the Cleveland line-up and I see him delivering another clinical outing here.
I’m jumping on the Over on his points prop tonight and trusting his 3-point shooting and trips to the free-throw line to propel him past this number.
Mitchell was the spark for Cleveland last time out, scoring 33 points, and I like his chances of putting on a similar show tonight.
The Golden State Warriors can throw different looks at Mitchell, including Andrew Wiggins, but I see Spida shaking loose for some trademark hot streaks.
With the Cavs among the league’s top-scoring teams, Golden State has its hands full tonight — and I expect Mitchell to lead Cleveland in field goal attempts.
The threat of Darius Garland alongside him keeps opponents on edge on the perimeter, and Jarrett Allen’s screens get Mitchell moving downhill. So far, it’s adding up to an efficient offense.
Despite my Mitchell pick, I don’t see the Cavs rolling to an easy win here. Golden State has a deep rotation, enhanced by Dennis Schroder joining the backcourt options in a trade this month, and enough cagey veterans to keep the score close.
The Warriors have been erratic this year, but I’m counting on a response after losing to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Cleveland doesn’t have a natural stopper for the Steph Curry assignment, and Steph’s 3-point wizardry makes it tough to lay the points with the visitors.
I’m also grabbing a Draymond Green prop for my SGP — and it’s his rebounds + assists line that jumps off the screen for me.
Steve Kerr will need major minutes from Green to combat the size of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in the Cleveland frontcourt, and his assist numbers have been steady all year. I’m banking on a vintage Draymond display tonight to throw the Cavs off their game.
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Odds courtesy of bet365
The Over is 21-10 in the Cavs’ 31 games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Warriors.
Location: | Chase Center, San Francisco, CA |
Date: | Monday, 12-30-2024 |
Tip-off: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
TV: | FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio, NBCS-Bay Area |
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