New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction: Persevering Pelicans take on resurgent Cavaliers

The NBA trade deadline has sent a whirlwind around the league and the Western Conference has been boosted up after a number of big moves. However, some teams remained quiet and didn’t feel like making any moves. One of those teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers is going to take on the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Cavaliers enter the game after defeating the Pistons 113:85 as Jarrett Allen dipped in 20 points and 16 rebounds. They have won four in a row, having won seven of their last ten games. Because of their superb play especially their elite defense, the Cavaliers have a strong record with 35 wins and 22 losses, which places them at rank four in East. This is an uptick from the last season.

One major reason for that has been the inclusion of iso-scoring machine Donovan Mitchell, who averaged over 25 points in the first four months but since late January, he has averaged just around 15 points. This can look deflating but this also means that the recent wins have been based on a much better scoring balance. One other reason has been the superb scoring of Darius Garland, who is averaging over 20 points and 8 assists. The Cavs have one of the best defensive ratings, thanks to a strong defensive frontline of Okoro, Mobley, and Allen.

The Pelicans come into this game after defeating the Hawks 116:107, thanks to a 30 points and 8 assists performance by Brandon Ingram. They have now won three in a row, but it has followed a 10-game losing streak. Because of that weak window, they have collected 27 losses and 29 wins. The recent game-winning streak has occurred because of Ingram’s return, who has scored 26 or more during the wins.

The trouble for the team began Zion Williamson went down due to an injury and because of his great play, the team has at least been around to get over the 50% win mark. CJ McCollum’s impact has been limited. Jonas Valanciunas is more of a tertiary scorer and rebounder. The depth has been decimated since Zion has been out so let us see when he returns, which may be after the All-Star break.

• Pelicans: OUT: Dyson Daniels, Zion Williamson. Game-Time Decision: Josh Richardson;
• Cavaliers: OUT: Dylan Windler.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Donovan Mitchell(28-35 Points), Brandon Ingram(24-31 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Jonas Valanciunas(13-16 Rebounds), Jarrett Allen(9-12 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Darius Garland(7-9 Assists), CJ McCollum(6-7 Assists).

The Cavaliers have been playing some tremendous basketball and they have been effective away from home too. The Pels would have loved to have Zion Williamson here who can counter the physicality presented by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Here, I believe the Cavs will use their physical tools well and come on top. I expect a scoreline of 117:109 in favor of Cleveland.