Washington Wizards vs Cleveland Cavaliers: NBA Thursday Predictions

• The new edition Cavaliers debut in Cleveland.
• Can the Wizards stay afloat while Wall recovers?
• Will LeBron have new life after winning the All-Star Game MVP?

The home stretch to the NBA playoffs kicks off Thursday in Cleveland (8pm EST), where the Cavaliers (34-22, 20-7 Home, 3rd in Eastern Conference) get to show off all their shiny new toys to the home crowd for the first time when they host the Wizards (33-24, 16-14 Away, 4th in Eastern Conference).

No team comes out of the All-Star break with more anticipation than the Cavaliers, who rocked the NBA landscape at the trade deadline when they shipped out an NBA-deadline record six players for newcomers George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood and Larry Nance Jr.

The early returns have been lights out, as the Cavs steamrolled the Celtics (while struggling, still the top-rated defence in the NBA) and the Thunder before the midseason break. More than anything, LeBron James has been recharged and most importantly, re-engaged with the current assembly of players at his disposal.

He’ll need to make the shift to undisputed top option, a luxury he used to hand over to all-world teammate Kyrie Irving. So far, so good: since the trades, James has averaged 30 points, 9.5 rebounds and 13 assists in four games.

But that offensive responsibility is eased by a couple of factors: James now has a devastating abundance of shooting to choose from at any moment, as he slides to the 4 and 5 position. As well, the new bodies have made the Cavaliers a more engaged defensive unit, alleviating the need for James to also guard the team’s top option. A rotation of Hood, Cedi Osman and the rejuvenated JR Smith can now handle defensive wing duties. It’s sliding into place.

That will be on display against the Wizards, who will try to keep the wins going, despite all the tension brewing while All-Star guard John Wall sits with a knee injury that’s sidelined him since January 27.

[Beal’s] improved play and leadership has helped the Wiz climb to a 7-2 mark since Wall’s injury.

Much of the heavy lifting has come from Wall’s backcourt mate and fellow All-Star Bradley Beal, who’s improved play and leadership has helped the Wiz climb to a 7-2 mark since Wall’s injury, but has also had critics wondering if Washington is better off moving on from the former top pick out of Kentucky (for the record, this is not a good idea).

Washington is trying to chase down Cleveland for third in the East, while the Cavs – they of the little care for playoff seeding – could be a little more opportunistic in chasing down Boston for the 2-seed, and maybe, just maybe Toronto at the top of the charts.

Team Stats

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Head-to-Head Results

Notable Injuries and Absences

Team Trends

Prediction: Cavaliers (126-120)

The Wizards and Cavaliers like to put up points and these matchups get kind of wild. Expect a lot of scoring in this one, with James setting up his teammates for prime looks from deep. While Clarkson has shown more of the flair with his play (probably from leaving all the losing in LA), look for Rodney Hood to again quietly splash jumpers and create for himself and teammates while giving LeBron valuable resting minutes. Beal will still be able to get his throughout this contest, but enough live bodies at him could be just enough to slow him down and bog down Washington’s offense during closing time to seal a win for the Cavs.

Straight-Up Picks (Feb. 22)

Thursday has a nice bevy of welcome back games, which also feature the Warriors, who were sluggish heading into all-star break, hoping time off gets them rejuvenated and chasing June dreams when they host the Clippers.The moneylines, point spreads, and over/unders for these games will be available soon. You can place a wager by visiting one of these sportsbooks.