The Pelicans are without Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, Trey Murphy III and Jordan Hawkins. The Cavs are without Darius Garland, which hurts their offense, but have the two big men to still limit things defensively against a positively G-League Pels offense. I don't see how this game goes over 217.

Usually I hate going against teams with key players out as we too easily overlook the abilities of every NBA player and the lines tend to overcorrect, but in this case, who is going to put the ball in the the hoop for New Orleans? Their top seven players are all out. Cleveland is on a back-to-back and could be hung over from its first loss of the season, but I don't care. I'll take my chances on the Pels simply fading away on their own.

The Cavs aren't ones to wallow for long and after finally losing their first game - and it was to the NBA champs - I love them to bounce back at home vs an inferior foe and start flexing their muscles again. Cavs an elite team all around but especially at home - they are +9 in the first half, best in the NBA. Pels are -6.9 in 1st half on road; 28th in NBA. Have trailed by 12, 4, 10, 4, 12 and 10 on road at the half. Both playing back to back but Pels traveling from Dallas. Injuries have taken a toll and compromised their depth and quality. Cavs can clean up on the inside and allow for easy looks from outside.