NBA Picks: Thunder vs. Cavaliers 1/29/17

Westbrook has designs on toppling Cleveland

The Thunder are in the midst of a three-game winning streak. But can Russell Westbrook & Co. pull into northeast Ohio and upset the defending NBA champs?

One of the league’s primary MVP candidates aims to author another brilliant performance in this afternoon’s matchup against the Cavaliers. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the hosts odds of -310 to emerge victorious. Oklahoma City, on the other hand, enters Quicken Loans Arena as a +250 underdog.

Bet on the Action

In all likelihood, Westbrook will have to produce even more than usual in several hours. That’s due to the absence of key center Enes Kanter, who suffered a broken forearm after punching a chair during last week’s triumph over Dallas. The 6-foot-11, 245-pounder had averaged 14.4 points through 47 contests.

Look for Cleveland to consistently throw the ball in the middle and exploit the Thunder’s new weakness, particularly given Tristan Thompson’s bounce-back performance in Friday’s tilt vs. Brooklyn. After a shaky stretch, the Texas product burned the Nets for 10 points and 10 rebounds. LeBron James paced all scorers with 31 points on that evening, while Kyrie Irving added 28.

NBA Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends

It wouldn’t shock us whatsoever to see Westbrook post his 24th triple-double of the campaign. However, the Cavs understand the importance of performing much better at home. We anticipate a focused, defensive-minded effort from the Wine and Gold that pays off swimmingly in the end.

 

SUNDAY NBA FREE PICK: CAVALIERS -7