Lakers vs Cavaliers Betting Odds – Cavs-Lakers rematch will bring more of the same

The Lakers vs Cavaliers betting odds will be the highlight story of the sports day on Thursday as we get to see Kobe vs LeBron part two. The first meeting resulted in a very easy win for the Cavaliers and considering the Lakers are a little banged up, online betting cappers should expect another Cavs win.

The Storyline - Lakers vs Cavaliers betting odds breakdown
The Lakers and Cavaliers met on Christmas Day in a showcase game and now they’ll finish up their season series with the matchup in Cleveland. The Cavs ran away with the first meeting, winning 102-87 and another balanced effort should do the trick on Thursday.

The two teams are fighting for the top overall seed in the NBA, so this game is important.

Offensive Matchups - Lakers vs Cavaliers betting odds breakdown
The Lakers have a very deep and talented roster but when the two teams met up the first time, their frontcourt was worked over. Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom combined for just 21 points and the Lakers were battling uphill all day long because of it. If they want to win this time, Sportsbook betting fans know the Lakers have to be more balanced.

The Cavaliers are rolling right now and after a sluggish start to the season, they have been on fire. After starting 3-3, the Cavs are 29-8. They have scored 100 or more in five of their last seven games and they are getting really balanced efforts right now – it’s not just the LeBron James show.

Betting Edge: Even

Defensive Matchups - Lakers vs Cavaliers betting odds breakdown
The Lakers defense was run over in the first meeting between the teams because just like on the offensive end, their big men couldn’t handle the Cavs big men on the inside at the other end of the court. The Cavs took it right inside and the Lakers didn’t do much to stop them. They’ll have to be more aggressive to get this win. It might help if Ron Artest finds a way to slow down James.

The Cavs held the Lakers to just 36% shooting in the first meeting and it’s no secret that this is a good defensive club. James is an underrated defender but this is really a team effort. The Cavs – like many teams – don’t mind if Bryant gets his share it’s just the supporting cast that they clamp down on.

Betting Edge: Cavaliers

Notable Injuries - Lakers vs Cavaliers betting odds breakdown
Jamario Moon is out for the Cavs with an abdominal strain. He scored 13 points in the first meeting.

For the Lakers, Bryant is playing with a fractured index finger and a sore back. It hampered him on Monday as he scored just four points in the first half and 11 overall.

Betting Edge: Even

Betting Prediction - Lakers vs Cavaliers betting odds breakdown
The Cavs dominated the first meeting and there is little reason to believe that things will change now that they are on their home court. The Lakers will bring a better effort but with Bryant banged up a little and the Cavs holding the edge on defense, they will prevail on Thursday.

Craig’s Pick: Cavaliers

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