The Cavaliers have become a tough defensive team, holding each of their last three opponents to 95 points or fewer. It’s even more impressive when you consider that those games came against the Hawks, Nuggets and Clippers, the last two on the road. The Lakers just lost to the Thunder, LeBron James (ankle) is questionable again and a few of their key bench players are still out. I like the Cavs to keep this game close.

LeBron James is questionable after missing the past two games, but even if LeBron plays why are the Lakers this heavily favored? Have oddsmakers not seen them this year? Cleveland, meanwhile, might be the most improved team in the NBA and enters off wins over the Hawks, Nuggets and Clippers. I expect this spread to drop regardless and certainly will quite a bit if James is ruled out.