LA Clippers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction and Picks - November 23, 2025
Inter-Conference NBA action on Sunday evening, and we have an LA Clippers vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction locked and loaded for you. The Clippers enter this game off a 131-116 road win over Orlando, but still, they are just 5-11 in the early going. Cleveland enters this contest at 11-6 on the year, and they are off a 120-109 home win over Indiana. These teams split the two meetings last year. Read on to see our Clippers vs Cavaliers prediction.
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Clippers Found Their Offense Against The Magic
The Clippers snapped a three-game skid with a 131-116 win over the Charlotte Hornets yesterday, powered by James Harden’s season-high 55 points on 10 made threes. Ivica Zubac added 18 points and nine rebounds, while Chris Paul dished out eight assists in what may have been his final game in North Carolina. The victory pushed Los Angeles to 5-11, giving them a much-needed boost heading into this matchup with Cleveland.
Offensively, the Clippers have leaned heavily on Harden, who is averaging 28.4 points and 8.5 assists per game. Kawhi Leonard, when healthy, adds balance with 24.3 points per game, while Zubac has been a force inside, averaging a double-double with 16 points and 11.2 rebounds. The team shoots 47.1% from the field and ranks third in free-throw percentage at 83.1%, showing efficiency when they get to the line. However, their overall scoring output of 112.3 points per game ranks just 25th in the league, highlighting their reliance on Harden’s individual brilliance.
Defensively, Los Angeles has struggled, allowing 117.1 points per game and ranking near the bottom in opponent three-point percentage at 38.7%. Zubac provides rim protection, but the team’s perimeter defense has been inconsistent. Nicolas Batum and John Collins contribute energy and versatility, yet the Clippers often find themselves in shootouts. Against Cleveland’s high-powered offense, their ability to slow down Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley will be critical if they want to build on their recent win.
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The Defense Stepped Up In Win Over Indiana
Cleveland improved to 11-6 after a 120-109 win over the Indiana Pacers on November 21, where Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points and Darius Garland returned with 20 points after missing five games. Evan Mobley added 22 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Cavaliers pull away in the second half. The victory gave Cleveland a 2-1 record in NBA Cup group play and continued their strong start to the season.
Offensively, the Cavaliers have been dynamic, averaging 119.9 points per game, good for 10th in the league. Mitchell has been sensational, averaging 30.3 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field. Mobley has emerged as a reliable second option with 19 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, while Garland’s return adds another layer of playmaking. De’Andre Hunter has also provided steady scoring at 18.1 points per game, and Sam Merrill (Day To Day) has been a surprise contributor from deep, hitting 44.4% of his threes. Cleveland’s balanced attack makes them difficult to defend, as multiple players can take over stretches of a game.
Defensively, Cleveland allows 115.7 points per game, ranking 14th, but they’ve been strong at contesting shots, holding opponents to 45.9% shooting. Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchor the paint, combining for rim protection and rebounding, while Hunter and Lonzo Ball add perimeter defense. The Cavaliers rebound well at 44.1 boards per game, giving them second-chance opportunities and limiting opponents’ possessions. Against the Clippers, Cleveland’s ability to contain Harden while exploiting LA’s defensive lapses should give them the upper hand at home.
LA Clippers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Bucks Pick
Clippers vs Cavaliers Spread Pick
- Cleveland -9 (4 Units)
Cleveland -9 looks like a strong play given how well the Cavaliers have been performing at home and the balance they’ve shown on both ends of the floor. Donovan Mitchell has been on a tear, averaging over 30 points per game, while Evan Mobley continues to anchor the frontcourt with nearly a double-double each night. With Darius Garland back in the lineup, the Cavs have added another layer of playmaking and scoring, which makes their offense much harder to contain. They’re putting up 119.9 points per game, ranking top ten in the league, and their ability to spread the floor with shooters like Sam Merrill has kept defenses honest. Against a Clippers team that leans heavily on James Harden, Cleveland’s depth and versatility should give them the edge to cover.
Defensively, the Cavaliers have enough to frustrate Los Angeles, especially with Jarrett Allen and Mobley protecting the rim. Cleveland holds opponents to 45.9% shooting, and their rebounding strength at 44.1 boards per game limits second-chance opportunities. The Clippers, while efficient at times, have struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Harden and Kawhi Leonard, and their defense has been shaky, allowing 117.1 points per game. Cleveland’s ability to exploit mismatches, control tempo, and force the Clippers into tough looks should allow them to build separation as the game progresses. With their offensive firepower and defensive stability, laying the nine points feels justified.
Clippers vs Cavaliers Over/Under Pick
- Under 230 (5 Units)
The Under 230 looks appealing because while both Cleveland and the Clippers have offensive firepower, their recent trends point toward a slower, more controlled pace. The Cavaliers average 119.9 points per game, but they also defend well enough to keep opponents in check, holding teams to 45.9% shooting. The Clippers, meanwhile, sit at 112.3 points per game and rely heavily on Harden and Kawhi for scoring bursts, which can lead to stretches of stagnant offense when those two aren’t clicking. With Cleveland’s ability to grind possessions through Mitchell and Mobley, plus LA’s tendency to bog down in half‑court sets, this matchup sets up for a total that falls short of the 230 mark.
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