Wizards vs. Cavaliers prediction and odds for Friday, March 17

If the Cleveland Cavaliers want to go from the play-in tournament last season to locking up home court in the first round this year, then they need to take care of business against teams like the Washington Wizards down the stretch.

Cleveland is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference at 44-28 which has it 2.5 games clear of New York in fifth.

The Wizards are down fighting for a spot in this year’s play-in tournament at 32-37 which is currently 10th.

Cleveland is the favorite at home in this one, but it is coming off a loss to Philadelphia last time out.

Wizards vs. Cavaliers odds, spread and total

Wizards vs. Cavaliers prediction and pick

If the Wizards are going to be a playoff team this year then they need Bradley Beal to consistently play like he did on Tuesday against Detroit. Beal had 36 points and seven assists in the 117-97 win, but again it was against Detroit.

The Wizards get good performances out of Beal, but it never quite feels like they come against good opponents. This is a chance to change that narrative.

The Cavaliers aren’t just a good opponent there are possible statistical cases to be made that they’re the best opponent. The record doesn’t show it, but in terms of net rating, they are tied with Boston for the best in the NBA, 5.5.

They’re the best defensive team in the NBA with Mobley and Jarrett Allen down low and they’re ninth offensively comparable to Atlanta and Portland. The common thread between those three teams on the offensive end are the dominant guards.

Donovan Mitchell’s last performance wasn’t exactly the outing that Beal had the other night, but it wasn’t bad either; 21 points and three assists in a loss. The Cavs missed Jarrett Allen in that one and won’t have him tonight either.

I actually think that’s for the best against Washington. The Wizards often start Kristaps Porzingis and Daniel Gafford together and with Mobley at center, the Cavs suddenly become a perimeter oriented offense.

They’ll be able to pull Porzingis away from the rim and torture him with Mitchell and Darius Garland in pick and rolls with Mobley.

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

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