Table of Contents
Washington Wizards vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Washington Wizards host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Capital One Arena in an NBA Cup Group Play matchup. Cleveland enters with a 5-3 record and is riding a two-game win streak, while Washington has dropped six straight and sits at 1-7. The Cavaliers have dominated this series, winning 12 straight meetings dating back to 2021. With Donovan Mitchell in MVP form and the Wizards still searching for consistency, this game could be another step forward for Cleveland — or a much-needed reset for Washington.
Line Movement and Odds
Cleveland is a 13.5-point road favorite. The total is set at 242. The Cavaliers are -798 on the moneyline, while the Wizards are +550. Cleveland has covered in four of its last five games, while Washington is 1-6-1 ATS this season. Full odds breakdown available on ScoresAndStats NBA Odds.
Matchup Breakdown
Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook
Donovan Mitchell is on a tear, averaging 31.9 points per game while shooting 57.6% from the field and 45.5% from three — all career highs. He dropped 46 points on 15-of-21 shooting in the win over Philadelphia, with help from Jarrett Allen (24 points, 10 rebounds) and Evan Mobley (23 points). Darius Garland returned from injury and added eight points in his season debut, giving Cleveland another playmaker to complement Mitchell. The Cavaliers rank 4th in three-pointers made and 2nd in attempts, stretching defenses and creating space for their bigs. With a top-tier offense and improving chemistry, Cleveland looks poised to continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings.
Washington Wizards Outlook
Washington continues to struggle, dropping its sixth straight in a 136-107 loss to Boston. Despite the record, second-year big man Alex Sarr has been a bright spot, averaging 19.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. He scored 31 points with eight boards and three blocks against the Celtics. CJ McCollum has yet to find his rhythm, shooting just 33% from the field, and the team is still without Bilal Coulibaly (leg) while monitoring Khris Middleton’s knee. The Wizards play fast — ranking 2nd in possessions per game — and shoot 37.7% from three (10th in the league), but turnovers and defensive lapses continue to derail their efforts. Coach Brian Keefe is focused on building habits and consistency with the NBA’s second-youngest roster.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
Mitchell vs. Sarr will be the headline, but Cleveland’s perimeter shooting and interior depth give them a clear edge. If Garland continues to ramp up and Allen controls the paint, the Cavaliers can dominate both ends. For Washington, they’ll need a near-perfect game from Sarr and improved shooting from McCollum to stay competitive. If they can push the pace and hit threes early, they might keep it close — but Cleveland’s firepower and experience make them a tough out.
Injuries / Availability
Washington is without Bilal Coulibaly (leg) and lists Khris Middleton (knee) as day-to-day. Cleveland has no new injuries reported. Darius Garland is active and expected to play increased minutes.
Environment
Game is at Capital One Arena in Washington, where the Wizards are 0-3 this season. Cleveland is 3-1 on the road and has won 12 straight against Washington. This is a Group Play game in the NBA Cup, adding extra weight to the matchup.
Best Bets and Prediction
- Cleveland Cavaliers -13.5
- Under 242
Our model projects a 125-110 Cavaliers win, making them a strong pick to cover. With Cleveland’s defense allowing just 114.8 points per game and Washington’s offense struggling to find rhythm, the under 242 is a safer lean despite the high pace of play.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Looking to sharpen your edge for this matchup? Check out ScoresAndStats’ Best Handicappers section to see which experts are delivering consistent results. You can also browse the Leaderboard for top-performing analysts and visit the Buy Picks page for premium selections across the NBA and other major sports.


