The Cleveland Cavaliers (43-27) and New Orleans Pelicans (25-46) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The game will broadcast live on FDSOH.
The Cavaliers are 4.5-point favorites over the Pelicans on the spread (Cavaliers -4.5), with the over/under set at 236.5 total points. Cleveland is a -198 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while New Orleans is +164 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Cavaliers vs. Pelicans predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, March 21.
Cavaliers vs Pelicans Prediction, Pick
- Cavaliers vs Pelicans pick: Cavaliers -5 / If Mitchell plays, Over 236.5
My Cavaliers vs Pelicans best bet is on Cleveland to cover the spread. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Cavaliers vs Pelicans Odds
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -108 | 236.5 -110o / -110u | -198 |
| Pelicans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -112 | 236.5 -110o / -110u | +164 |
Cavaliers vs Pelicans NBA Preview
Donovan Mitchell’s status is creating some uncertainty in this spot, but it doesn’t sound like anything that should keep him out long-term.
Reports suggest this isn’t a vision-related issue — more likely swelling or a popped blood vessel that looks worse than it actually is.
Still, whether or not Mitchell plays is critical to how this market should be approached.
The Cavaliers have dominated this matchup recently, winning three straight meetings against New Orleans with an average margin of victory of 20 points.
On the other side, the Pelicans are coming in hot, having won three straight games, and five of their last six.
Trey Murphy has been on a tear for New Orleans, but this is a spot where Evan Mobley could draw the assignment, which should at least slow him down.
From a side perspective, the current spread suggests Mitchell is more likely to play than not. But given Cleveland’s position in the standings — sitting fourth in the East, with a relatively stable cushion — there’s not much urgency to rush him back.
With some tougher, more meaningful games coming up against Orlando and Miami, this could be a spot where the Cavaliers take a more cautious approach with their superstar.
Cavaliers vs Pelicans Predictions, Betting Analysis
If Mitchell does suit up, the better angle may actually be the Over rather than Cleveland to cover the spread.
Both teams are trending toward efficient offensive profiles. New Orleans, in particular, has leaned into a strong shot diet under its current system — prioritizing attempts at the rim and from three.
The Pelicans have been aggressive attacking the paint, and Cleveland can match that offensive efficiency when fully healthy.
That makes the Over 236.5 an interesting look, especially if Mitchell does wind up playing. The spread feels mostly priced around his availability, but the total has more room to move depending on how this game plays out stylistically.
Overall, there’s a bit of a wait-and-see element here. If Mitchell plays, the Over becomes more appealing. If he sits, the number on the side may need to be adjusted, and the value likely shifts.
Pick: Cavaliers -5 / If Mitchell plays, Over 236.5
