Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers preview

In Wednesday night’s interconference matchup, the Houston Rockets (9-18) are facing off versus the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-12) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Will Darius Garland and the Cavs extend their winning streak to five games?

Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers news

Comparing team betting statistics, the Rockets are 15-11-1 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, while the Cavaliers are 23-5-1 against the spread. This game’s tip-off time is 7 p.m. ET. The contest will air live via AT&T SportsNet Southwest, Bally Sports Ohio and NBA League Pass. According to Land of Basketball’s database, these two competitors have played one another 134 times during the regular season all-time. Overall, Houston is 87-47 versus Cleveland. Not to mention, in the previous three head-to-head meetings, the Cavs are 2-1 against them. On Mar. 1, 2021, Cleveland won 101-90.

Turning to a different topic, the Cavs’ previous eight wins this season were won by at least 10 points. The last time Cleveland achieved this milestone was during the 2014-15 season, when the team dominated their opponents from Jan. 30, 2015 to Feb. 22, 2015. Of course, the Cavs finished the season 53-29 (.646) with LeBron James. Fast forward to the present, guard Darius Garland is leading the team in scoring, averaging 18.9 points per game. The third-year player is also averaging 3.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.

Each of the @cavs last 8 victories have been won by 10+ points.

+13 vs ORL
+18 at DAL
+26 at MIA
+15 at WAS
+23 vs. CHI
+17 at MIN
+14 vs SAC
+11 vs MIA

The last time the Cavs accomplished that feat was 1/30/2015 to 2/22/2015 (also 8 wins)(via @EliasSports)

— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) December 14, 2021

Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 217.5

Point spread: Cavaliers -9 (-110)

Best moneyline: Rockets +320, Cavaliers -380

Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers injury report

Cavaliers: SG Collin Sexton (out for the season) | PF Evan Mobley (questionable)

#Rockets Injury/Status Report:

Eric Gordon (OUT – R Groin Tightness)
Christian Wood (QUESTIONABLE – L Knee Tendinitis)
Kevin Porter Jr. (OUT – L Thigh Contusion)
Jalen Green (OUT – L Hamstring Strain)
Danuel House Jr. (OUT – L Ankle Sprain)
D. Nix (G League)
J. Wall (Out)

— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) December 14, 2021

Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers preview

Moreover, on Monday, in the Rockets’ 132-126 upset road win over the Hawks, guard Eric Gordon led his team in scoring, amassing 32 points in the same number of minutes played. D.J. Augustin ended his showing with 22 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 23 minutes spent on the court. In the fourth quarter, the Rockets outscored the Hawks 44 to 25. Despite Atlanta outscoring Houston 38 to 28 in the opening quarter, this was a solid effort by the Rockets.

So far, it was arguably their best road win of the regular season, which isn’t saying much because it was only their second away victory. The team shot 46-for-96 (47.9%) from the floor and 19-for-46 (41.3%) from three-point range. Surprisingly, Houston has won eight of their last 10 games played. Now, they are 2-12 away, 7-6 at home and 8-5-1 ATS away this season.

Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Cavs have a 80.6% probability of winning.

Meanwhile, in the Cavaliers’ 105-94 home win versus the Heat, Kevin Love came ready to play. The fifth overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft scored a team-high 23 points in 24 minutes of action. Guard Isaac Okoro contributed 18 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 35 minutes played as well. In the second quarter, the Cavs outscored the Heat 32 to 19. Plus, Cleveland out-rebounded Miami 42 to 39.

This was another notable performance at home. The Cavs are exceeding expectations this season. They also shot 36-for-81 (44.4%) from the field and 16-for-36 (44.4%) from behind the arc. Counting this win, Cleveland is now on a four-game winning streak. To add to that, they are 8-7 at home, 9-5 away and 12-3 ATS at home. The team ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Nets, Bulls and Bucks.

Projected starting lineup

Rockets: PG D.J. Augustin | SG Armoni Brooks | SF Garrison Mathews | PF Jae’Sean Tate | C Christian Wood

Cavaliers: PG Darius Garland | SG Isaac Okoro | SF Lauri Markkanen | PF Evan Mobley | C Jarrett Allen

Houston Rockets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers prediction

Furthermore, the total for tonight’s interconference contest is set at 217.5. Referencing to the spread consensus, 91% of gamblers are trusting the Cavs to cover the spread at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Regarding the point total consensus, 56% of bettors are expecting the total to go over 217.5. Currently, Houston is 3-1 as a favorite, 6-17 as an underdog and 8-5-1 ATS away, while Cleveland is 7-0 as a favorite, 10-12 as an underdog and 12-3 ATS at home.

For critical betting trends, the Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their past five performances this season. The total has gone over in six of their previous seven contests, too. Next, Houston is 8-2 straight up in the team’s last 10 games. Though, the Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their past five matches versus the Cavaliers. Keep in mind, the total has gone under in five of Houston’s last seven contests when playing Cleveland at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

As for the Cavaliers, they are 10-0 ATS in their previous 10 performances. Also, just like the Rockets, the Cavs are 8-2 SU in their past 10 games. Next, the team is 1-4 SU in their last five matches against Southwest Division opponents. Finally, Cleveland is 4-1 SU in the team’s past five games played in December. After absorbing these statistics, think about picking the Cavs to win and cover the spread. Before you place a bet, be sure to check out our handicap betting guide.