Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards must be thankful the All-Star break came when it did. The Cavs’ recent excellent run took a detour at Chicago right before the break, while the Wizards have gone on a downward spiral.
Which of these two Eastern Conference contenders take a step forward after a week-long rest? Read on as we break down this intriguing clash.
The West isn’t short on big games after the All-Star break. Check out our previews for the Mavericks vs. Thunder and Spurs vs. Clippers for some action-packed games between playoff contenders.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards Preview
Where: Verizon Center, Washington
When: Friday, February 20, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers wasted a 31-point effort from LeBron James when they fell 113-98 to the surging Chicago Bulls. James could also be partly blamed as he finished with eight turnovers.
[sc:NBA240banner ]With Kevin Love sidelined due to an abrasion in his right eye, the Cavs had little help to offer James. Kyrie Irving went 6-of-18 from the field. Timofey Mosgov went 5-for-6, finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds, but was limited by foul trouble early in the game.
Despite the loss, the Cavs are still in good position in the Central Division. They trail Chicago by 1.5 games, and have won 14 of their last 16 (12-4 ATS). They’ll also have Love back in time for their trip to Washington.
The former Minnesota star was just one game off from scoring a season-high 32 points going 11-for-18 from the field (7-for-8 from beyond the arc) against the Lakers on February 8. He had 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 20 minutes of play against Miami on Wednesday before exiting the game due to the eye injury. Love had 21 points in the Cavs’ 113-87 rout of Washington on November 26.
The Cavs may struggle to find the passing lanes against Washington. The Wizards have held opponents to a league-best 18.9 assists per game this season. Still, Cleveland has one of the better passers in the league in James (7.4 dimes per game, eighth in the league). The Cavs are 23-5 when James has seven or more assists this season.
Having Love back also gives James another outlet for his passes. All 11 of Loves’ made shots against the Lakers came off assists. He connected with James on two catch-and-shoot three-pointers in that game.
Betting on the Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have plenty to mull over the All-Star break after losing six of their last eight games while going 3-5 against the spread. In their most recent struggle, the Wizards fell to Toronto 95-93 despite outrebounding their opponents 50-37.
John Wall led Washington with 21 points against the Raptors. He also finished with four rebounds and eight assists. Wall was on-point in the Wizards’ home win over Cleveland this season. He had 28 points and seven assists to lead the Wizards past LeBron James and co.
While Wall can definitely score plenty of points on his own, the Wizards would enjoy more success if he can utilize his excellent playmaking. Wall leads the league with 10.1 assists per game, and should be able to find the open passing lanes against Cleveland. The Cavaliers have allowed 24.4 assists per game, 29th in the league this season.
Paul Pierce should be one of the primary receivers of Wall’s passes. Pierce has gone 8-for-12 from the field in two games against the Cavaliers this season. Nene also gives Wall another option to drop some dimes as he shot 5-for-11 in Washington’s home game against the Cavaliers this season.
The Wizards may continue to struggle if shooting guard Bradley Beal remains sidelined with a stress reaction in his lower right fibula. He’ll be re-evaluated following the All-Star break. Considering he’s cleared to play, then he should be able to deliver a spark to the Wizards’ offense. He averaged 18.4 points over his last seven games before exiting the February 5 game against Charlotte with the injury.
Washington is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games on the road.
Writer’s Prediction
Love delivers a spark to the Cavaliers’ offense. Take Cleveland to win and cover.
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