NBA Predictions: Will Cavaliers blow past Trail Blazers? 1/2/18

Trail Blazers vs. Cavaliers Pick

Are the host Cleveland Cavaliers going to take care of business in the team debut of Isaiah Thomas tonight versus the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at 7PM ET?

Who Oddsmakers Like: According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Cavaliers are an 8-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 212 points. Both the spread and point total are right in line with where they opened.

Bet Tonight's NBA Action

Who the Public Likes: As of Tuesday afternoon, 73 percent of public bets have been placed on the Cavaliers.

Injury Report: Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard has missed the last five games with a hamstring strain and is questionable again tonight. Meyers Leonard has missed the last two games with an ankle injury and is questionable. For the Cavs, Thomas is expected to make his debut tonight after being out with a hip injury. Derrick Rose is out indefinitely with an ankle injury. Iman Shumpert is out until at least late July after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.

Who the Trends Like: Portland is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings. The under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. The over is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Cleveland.

Who We Like: Thomas' addition to the starting lineup should pay big dividends in taking the pressure off LeBron James and Kevin Love to supply all the offense. But will the chemistry be there tonight? Portland is on a back-to-back after defeating the Bulls 124-120 last night, but could have a fresh player in the lineup if Lillard plays. It might have been the decision all along to rest him on the front end of the back-to-back so he can come off the injury at Cleveland. I like Portland in this spot to keep the game close. The Blazers have been excellent defensively this year, which you need to be against the Cavs.

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS +8

Need More winners against the spread? Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. Instant Access here.