Rockets vs Cavaliers NBA Picks & Predictions for 3/26

Rockets vs Cavaliers NBA Picks & Predictions for 3/26

© Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Rockets vs Cavaliers - NBA Picks and Predictions for March 26, 2023

The Houston Rockets will visit Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers in an NBA matchup on Sunday at 6 p.m. EDT. Cleveland is looking to extend their winning streak to four games and maintain their impressive home record, while the Rockets will be on the hunt for their seventh win on the road this season. According to expert NBA picks and computer NBA picks, Cleveland is the favorite in this game, with predictions pointing to a fourth straight victory for the Cavaliers. Sports analysts and NBA picks experts are also suggesting NBA picks and parlays for the Cavaliers as they face off against the struggling Rockets. Cleveland currently holds one of the top positions in the Eastern Conference, with an impressive 47-28 record this season, and they enter this game as one of the league's best defensive teams, limiting opponents to just 106.7 points per game. The Cavaliers will rely on their standout players such as Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 27.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game this season, and Evan Mobley, who has been averaging 18.8 points over the last 10 games. On the other hand, the Rockets are currently ranked fifteenth in the Western Conference, with a record of 18-56. They have been struggling on the road this season, winning just six out of their thirty games. However, Houston is fourth in the league for rebounds per game with an average of 46.3 rebounds, and players such as Alperen Sengun, who is leading the team with 8.7 rebounds per game, will look to make an impact in this game. This will be the second time these two teams face off this season, with Cleveland winning the last match-up 113-95 on Jan. 27. With NBA picks and predictions pointing towards a win for the Cavaliers, this game will be an opportunity for Cleveland to maintain their momentum towards the playoffs, while the Rockets will look to cause an upset and earn a rare road win.

Rockets: Offensive Analysis

The Houston Rockets have had a tough season, with a record of 18-56 and sitting 15th in the Western Conference. As they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have won three consecutive games and hold the top spot in limiting opponent scoring, the Rockets will need to bring their A-game on offense. The Rockets are averaging just 110.6 points per game, ranking 29th in the league. They will need to do better on this front if they hope to compete with the Cavaliers. However, they have some positives going for them, such as ranking fourth in the league with 46.3 rebounds per game, led by Alperen Sengun's 8.7 rebounds per game. Three-point shooting has been a weakness for the Rockets, averaging just 32.7% from beyond the arc, which ranks 29th in the league. This is an area they will need to improve in to keep up with the Cavaliers, who are holding opponents to just 37.0% from three-point range. Jabari Smith Jr. has been a bright spot for the Rockets, averaging 2.3 made three-pointers over the last 10 games. If he can continue this hot streak and the Rockets can improve their overall shooting, they have a chance to put up a decent offensive performance. In conclusion, the Rockets offense has struggled all season and they will face a tough challenge against the Cavaliers, who are experts at limiting opponent scoring. However, if the Rockets can improve their shooting from three-point range and rely on their rebounding strength, they might have a chance to compete in this game. As always, it will come down to execution and making the most of their opportunities.

Rockets: Defensive Analysis

In their upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Houston Rockets will need to step up their defensive game if they hope to overcome their struggles on the road this season. The Cavaliers are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference and have won three consecutive games coming into the matchup. The biggest challenge for the Rockets will be containing the Cavaliers' offense, which is averaging 112.2 points per game. Cleveland also leads the NBA in limiting opponents' scoring, giving up just 106.7 points per game while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting. The Rockets will need to disrupt the Cavaliers' offensive rhythm and force them to take difficult shots. Houston's defense has struggled this season, giving up an average of 118.7 points per game, ranking them 29th in the league. They have also struggled to defend the three-point line, allowing opponents to make an average of 14.7 three-pointers per game, the most in the league. The Rockets do have a strong rebounding game, ranking fourth in the league with 46.3 rebounds per game. They will need to use this strength to limit Cleveland's second-chance opportunities and prevent easy baskets. Overall, the Rockets will need to bring their A-game on defense if they hope to come out victorious against the Cavaliers. Their ability to disrupt Cleveland's offense and limit their scoring will be key to securing a win on the road. NBA picks experts and computer NBA picks and predictions may favor Cleveland, but the Rockets can use their defensive prowess to beat the odds and come out on top.

Cavaliers: Offense Analysis

The Cleveland Cavaliers come into their matchup against the Houston Rockets seeking their fourth straight victory. Cleveland's offense has been solid as they have averaged 114.2 points per game over their last 10 games while shooting at a 48.7% clip from the field. They have been led by Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 27.5 points per game along with 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The Cavaliers have been effective in sharing the ball as they average 25.2 assists per game, which ranks 18th in the league. Their offense has been efficient as they have an Effective Field Goal Percentage of 55.6%, which ranks 9th in the league. Cleveland's offense has dominated inside the paint, averaging 52.7 points per game, which ranks 11th in the league. They have also been good at converting their free throws, averaging 77.8% from the charity stripe. Against the Rockets' defense, which ranks 29th in the league in points allowed with 118.7 points per game, the Cavaliers' offense could have a field day. Expect Cleveland to continue to execute their offense and dominate inside the paint while looking for open shots on the perimeter. Overall, the Cavaliers' offense looks primed to have a strong performance in this game, which could lead to their fourth straight victory. NBA picks experts and computer NBA picks em predictions are likely to favor the Cavaliers' offense in this matchup. NBA today experts and NBA picks and parlay analysts may also predict a strong offensive showing from Cleveland.

Cavaliers: Defensive Analysis

The Cleveland Cavaliers come into their upcoming matchup against the Houston Rockets seeking their fourth straight victory. Cleveland's defense has been a major factor in their recent success, as they lead the NBA in limiting opponents' scoring to just 106.7 points per game while holding them to 46.8% shooting. The Cavaliers' defense is anchored by center Jarrett Allen, who averages 1.5 blocks per game and ranks third in the league in defensive rebounds with 9.9 per game. Evan Mobley has also been a standout on the defensive end, averaging 1.1 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. Cleveland's perimeter defense has been solid as well, with guards Darius Garland and Isaac Okoro averaging 1.1 steals per game each. The Cavaliers' ability to defend the three-point line has also been impressive, holding opponents to just 37.0% shooting from beyond the arc. Houston's offense, which ranks near the bottom of the league in most categories, will have a tough time against Cleveland's stout defense. The Rockets average just 110.6 points per game and shoot a lowly 45.6% from the field. In their previous matchup this season, the Cavaliers held the Rockets to just 95 points in a 113-95 victory. Expect Cleveland's defense to once again be the key to their success and help them secure another win against Houston. Note: Injury updates for Raul Neto (day-to-day, hamstring) and Jae'Sean Tate (out, knee) may impact the Cavaliers' defensive rotation for this game.

Injury Report

The Houston Rockets will be without Jae'Sean Tate (knee) and Frank Kaminsky (migraine) for their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the Cavaliers, Raul Neto is listed as day-to-day with a hamstring injury. Both teams have been dealing with injuries throughout the season, but the absence of Tate and Kaminsky will be significant for the Rockets as they try to compete against the tough Cavaliers defense. The Cavaliers will need to monitor Neto's injury status closely as he has been a solid contributor off the bench for them. Overall, injuries could play a factor in this matchup and affect the game's outcome.

Player Team Position Injury Status
Darius Garland Cleveland Cavaliers PG -
Jae'Sean Tate Houston Rockets SF Out (knee)
Frank Kaminsky Houston Rockets PF Out (migraine)
Raul Neto Cleveland Cavaliers PG Day to day (hamstring)

Betting Trends

When considering betting trends for the Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game, it's important to note that the Rockets have struggled on the road this season, going just 6-30 in away games. On the other hand, Cleveland has been dominant at home, boasting a 29-8 record at Quicken Loans Arena. Additionally, Cleveland leads the NBA in limiting opponents' scoring, giving up just 106.7 points per game and holding opponents to 46.8% shooting. With Houston ranking 29th in the league in points per game, this bodes well for Cleveland's chances. However, it's worth noting that the Cavaliers are just 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 home games and 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games overall. The Rockets have also struggled against the spread on the road, going just 12-23-1 ATS in away games this season. Overall, while Cleveland appears to have the advantage in this matchup, betting on them to cover the spread may be a risk, especially with Houston potentially keeping things close or even pulling off an upset. As always, it's important to consult NBA picks experts, NBA picks computer predictions, and NBA picks and parlays before making any betting decisions.

Rockets vs. Cavaliers - NBA Game Preview - March 26, 2023: Cleveland plays Houston, seeks 4th straight victory

Prediction: The Cavaliers have been playing some great basketball lately and their strong defense will likely continue to give the struggling Rockets problems. While Houston does have some solid rebounding, their offensive struggles will make it difficult for them to keep up with Cleveland. Expect the Cavaliers to come out on top in this matchup.

Pick: Cavaliers (-8.5)

Winnings $112,938
last 30 days winnings ($8,130)
Yesterday winnings $0
Top Sport NBA
W-L-D 1416 - 1275 - 29
Winnings % 52%
Winnings $83,860
last 30 days winnings ($730)
Yesterday winnings ($1,000)
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