NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview Cleveland Cavaliers @ Portland Trail Blazers
The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to the Pacific Northwest to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, December 3. Cleveland enters the matchup firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, while Portland continues a rebuild around its young core.
Cleveland has maintained a winning record through consistent defensive effort and an efficient backcourt led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. On the other side, the Trail Blazers are 6-15 and have struggled to stay competitive in games against physical teams like the Cavaliers.
This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season. Cleveland won both matchups last year, and with Portland’s roster in transition, the visitors are expected to control the tempo again.
Stay updated on more matchups at the NBA scores and odds page.
Streamline Your Picks in One Dashboard.
All Sports. All Experts. One Login
Odds and Key Information
Cleveland enters as 7.5-point road favorites, with the total set around 218. The Cavaliers’ slow pace and elite defense generally drive lower totals, while Portland’s inefficient offense adds to the under appeal.
Cleveland is 6-4 over their last 10 games. Portland, by contrast, is 2-8 and has dropped five straight home games.
Monitor line updates at the NBA odds tracker.
Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook
The Cavaliers are thriving on defense, allowing just 109.8 points per game—top 5 in the NBA. With Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchoring the interior, they limit second-chance points and dominate the glass.
Donovan Mitchell leads the team with 25.2 points per game and has carried them in late-game scenarios. Garland’s steady playmaking and Max Strus’s floor-spacing have added needed balance to their half-court sets.
Cleveland’s main issue has been scoring droughts when Mitchell sits. However, against a rebuilding Portland squad, they should find success running their half-court sets.
Follow their progress at the Cavaliers team page and Eastern Conference predictions blog.
Portland Trail Blazers Outlook
Portland continues to rebuild post-Lillard, led by Anfernee Simons and rookie Scoot Henderson. While Simons has shown scoring flashes, Henderson’s development has been rocky. The team is also without key veteran presence, which has hurt their late-game execution.
They rank in the bottom five in offensive efficiency and struggle to defend without fouling. Jerami Grant has been solid but inconsistent, and depth remains a challenge.
Portland’s youth and limited rim protection make them vulnerable against well-organized offenses like Cleveland’s.
Get more insights at the Blazers team profile and Western Conference outlook.
Key Matchup
Donovan Mitchell vs Anfernee Simons will headline the scoring battle, but the real edge may come from Cleveland’s frontcourt. Mobley and Allen hold a major size and experience advantage over Deandre Ayton and Portland’s young rotation.
Expect Cleveland to dominate the paint, control rebounding, and dictate the game’s pace. If Portland can’t get into transition or hit threes at volume, they’ll struggle to hang around.
Explore more player performance trends at the NBA scoring leader blog and DPOY predictions.
Betting Trends
- Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games
- Trail Blazers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8
- Under is 7-3 in Cleveland’s last 10 games
- Over is 4-1 in Portland’s last 5 home games
- Cleveland is 4-0 SU in the last 4 meetings
Access more picks and market moves at the NBA betting picks section and Expert Betting Guide.
Streamline Your Picks in One Dashboard.
All Sports. All Experts. One Login
Prediction
This is a clear mismatch on both ends of the floor. Cleveland’s disciplined defense and structured offense should wear down Portland, especially over four quarters.
With the Blazers’ limited shot creation and interior defense, the Cavaliers should control the game from the opening tip.
Projected Score:
Cavaliers 109, Trail Blazers 97
Spread Pick: Cavaliers -7.5
Total Lean: Under 218
Check more team futures at the NBA Championship odds blog and MVP race predictions.
Why You Need Expert Picks
Games with large spreads and low totals often trap public bettors. That’s why professional insights are essential.
The Scores and Stats Handicappers Leaderboard highlights who’s beating the market right now. Use expert logic and track record—not guesswork.
Visit the Expert NBA Betting Guide to maximize your betting edge this season.
