by Rod Pearson
Monday, Mar 30, 2026
Game Time: 10:30 pm ET, Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Where to Watch: FDSOH, SPECSN
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Cavaliers +1.5, Lakers -1.5; Over/Under: 236.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Cavaliers +1.5, Lakers -1.5; Over/Under: 236.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Cavaliers +1.5, Lakers -1.5; Over/Under: 236.5 points
Season Record
Cleveland Cavaliers: 46-28 (2nd place, Central Division)
Los Angeles Lakers: 48-26 (1st place, Pacific Division)
Do not miss out on our expert handicapper analysis! Harry Gagnon is on a HOT STREAK in the NBA on a 17-5 NBA RUN for +$11,500 PROFIT! Make sure you check out his picks and many more from the expert handicappers featured in the Shop Picks section.
Recent Form
Cleveland Cavaliers: 7-3 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers: 9-1 last 10
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Analysis
The Cavaliers are entering this game with a 46-28 record overall this season and they are 22-14 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a win against the Miami Heat, but this is also the 2nd game of a back-to-back for them with their game against the Utah Jazz still to be played on Monday night. In their game against the Heat, Max Strus led the team in points in that game with 29 while Evan Mobley was next on the team with 23 points. James Harden led the team in assists in that game with 14 while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen each led the team in rebounds with 10. They were 53.6% from the field, 46.3% from 3-point range, and 83.9% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 119.4 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 115.2 PPG against them. The Cavaliers have an ATS record of 30-44 this season and their O/U record is 36-38.
The Lakers are entering this game with a 48-26 record overall this season and they are 24-12 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 2 game winning streak with wins coming against the Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets, but this is also the 2nd game of a back-to-back for them with their game against the Washington Wizards still to be played on Monday night. In their game against the Nets, Luka Dončić led the team in points in that game with 41 while Austin Reaves was next on the team with 26 points. LeBron James led the team in assists in that game with 8 while Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Jaxson Hayes each led the team in rebounds with 8. They were 54.3% from the field, 44% from 3-point range, and 69% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 116.6 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 114.9 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 41-33 this season and their O/U record is 38-36.
Cavaliers vs Lakers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Lakers listed as a 1.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Lakers have looked great in their games this season with their 48-26 record overall which has them right near the top of the West. They have looked great on their home court too with their 24-12 home record this season. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have looked good in their games this season with their 46-28 record overall which has them in the top half of the East. They have been a good road team too with their 22-14 road record this year. The Cavaliers have been rolling in their games lately as they are 7-3 in their last 10 and they are off a win over the Heat in their last one, but they are also dealing with some injuries and they won't be 100% for this game. They aren't in a great situation either, missing some role players while also being on a back-to-back on the road. The Lakers are also on a back-to-back here and they are missing one of their stars Luka Doncic, but he is only going to miss the 1st game against the Wizards and should be back for this one which will give the Lakers a huge boost. The Lakers have their own momentum at the moment too, winning 2 games in a row now and going 9-1 in their last 10 games. They have been getting hot at the right time and have shown over the last month that they are definitely one of the best teams in the West. The best way to place a bet here is on the Lakers to cover the spread in this game.
Cavaliers Lakers Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (10:30 pm ET start time) is Lakers 121 Cavaliers 113.
Don't miss our champion handicappers free picks and expert basketball picks today. And if you enjoyed this Cleveland Cavaliers Los Angeles Lakers prediction, be sure to drop by every day for our weekly NBA predictions and previews.
NBA Betting Trends
Cleveland Cavaliers: 29-43 ATS in all games. 22-31 ATS versus poor defensive teams - shooting pct defense of 46% or more. 4-11 ATS when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days. 21-15 OVER in road games. 14-6 OVER when playing 6 or less games in 14 days.
Los Angeles Lakers: 20-12 ATS versus good 3 point shooting teams - making 36% of their attempts or more. 36-21 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%). 10-5 ATS at home versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting 24 free throws/game or less. 19-11 OVER against Central division opponents. 21-15 OVER in home games.
Key Injuries
Cleveland Cavaliers: J. Allen (C) Out - Knee. M. Strus (SF) Out - Foot. D. Wade (PF) Out - Ankle. J. Tyson (SG) Out - Toe. C. Porter Jr. (PG) Day To Day - Groin.
Los Angeles Lakers: A. Thiero (SF) Out - Knee. M. Smart (PG) Out - Ankle.
Notable Quotes
"It starts at the rim with him -- at both ends. He gives us a threat and protects the rim, and it makes life easier. He's like a 7-foot goalie. He's a big part of what we do." - Kenny Atkinson on Jarrett Allen after his team’s win against the Heat in their game on Friday.
"I mean, he’s disappointed. He wants to be there for his teammates. I’ve talked about this all year. He plays. He’s not a guy who takes games off. He can be banged up, and he’s still going to play. He was like that when I was his teammate in Dallas." - J.J. Redick on the suspension to Luka Doncic.
Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers
PG James Harden
SG Donovan Mitchell
SF Keon Ellis
PF Evan Mobley
C Thomas Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luke Kennard
SG Austin Reaves
SF Jake LaRavia
PF LeBron James
C Deandre Ayton
Statistical Leaders
Cleveland Cavaliers
PPG: Donovan Mitchell (27.9)
APG: James Harden (8.1)
Reb/G: Evan Mobley (8.9)
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: Luka Doncic (33.7)
APG: Luka Doncic (8.2)
Reb/G: Deandre Ayton (8.3)
Coaches:
Cleveland Cavaliers: Kenny Atkinson (2nd season)
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick (2nd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
