Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns: Prediction and Betting Tips | April 3, 2024

The final game of the NBA schedule on Wednesday features a matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns. This game holds significant importance as both teams are vying for playoff spots. The Suns previously emerged victorious in their first encounter in early March, defeating the Cavaliers 117-111. This will be the second and final time these teams face each other this season.

The Suns have won six of their last ten games and emerged victorious in their most recent match. They are currently trailing by only one game for a spot in the top six, which secures a spot in the playoffs. The team currently sits in eighth place, just one game behind the fifth place Dallas Mavericks and sixth place New Orleans Pelicans.

Despite their recent struggles without Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs are currently in third place in the East, with a 1.5 game lead over the fourth place Orlando Magic. In their last six games, Cleveland has managed to win four.

NBA Game Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns

Moneyline: The Suns are favored at -225 against the Cavaliers, with the Cavaliers listed at +185.

Overall (Over/Under): 226.5

Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns NBA Matchup

Following his impressive 52-point performance, Devin Booker will aim to maintain his hot shooting streak as he faces the Cavs.

Despite their solid defensive performance throughout the season, the Suns have recently struggled on defense, ranking 22nd in the last ten games. The Cavs will look to capitalize on these recent lapses in the Suns’ defense.

The Cavs’ lineup has been plagued by injuries, with four bench players set to miss Wednesday’s game. Of utmost concern, Donovan Mitchell will also be absent.

Despite missing the last game, the Cavs emerged victorious against the tanking Utah Jazz. However, the Suns present a much tougher opponent.

Despite having a smaller team, the Suns have been dominating the paint and leading the league in rebounding percentage over the last ten games. In contrast, the Cavs, who have one of the largest frontlines, have struggled and are currently ranked 28th in rebounding percentage over the same time period. Thus, the outcome of this game may be determined by the teams’ performance in the paint.

The Suns will aim to maintain their rebounding advantage in this game, as well as utilize their superior offensive firepower and depth to potentially dominate and secure a victory if they continue to perform at their current level.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns: Starting Lineups and Rotations

The starting lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The starting lineup for the team consists of Darius Garland at point guard, Caris LeVert at shooting guard, Max Strus at small forward, Evan Mobley at power forward, and Jarrett Allen at center.

LeVert is expected to step into the starting lineup in place of the injured Mitchell. The Cavaliers’ reserve unit is severely depleted, with Dean Wade, Craig Porter, Isaac Okoro, and Ty Jerome all out for Wednesday’s game. Georges Niang is likely to see the most playing time off the bench as the Cavaliers struggle to stay afloat in the playoff race.

The starting players of the Phoenix Suns.

“Point guard Devin Booker, shooting guard Bradley Beal, small forward Grayson Allen, power forward Kevin Durant, and center Jusuf Nurkic make up the starting lineup for this team.”

Despite a hip injury, Grayson Allen may still be able to play, although his status should be monitored closely. The Suns will continue to be without Damion Lee. Eric Gordon and Royce O’Neale will have significant minutes off the bench, and Bol Bol can provide additional size as a backup in the face of the Cavaliers’ size advantage.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns: Expert Picks and Predictions

If you’re looking for an exciting bet, consider taking Devin Booker to score the first basket at +650. After his impressive 52-point game in the Suns’ last matchup, it’s likely he’ll have the first opportunity to score. And if you think Booker will keep up his impressive streak, you can also place a bet on his points total over 27.5.

Despite facing a strong rebounding team in the Suns, Bradley Beal, with his average of over 4.5 rebounds, still holds some value at +120. In fact, in his previous game, Beal managed to secure nine rebounds.

Predicting the Outcome of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns Game

The Suns are favored to win this game due to their overall health and depth. They have been performing strongly on the defensive end and excelling in rebounding. As a result, they are expected to have an advantage over the Cavs in this matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns.