We’ve got a rare situation: The Cleveland Cavaliers enter a basketball game on a three-game losing streak when they face off against the Phoenix Suns.
My Cavaliers vs. Suns predictions break down Phoenix's leaky perimeter defense and how Donovan Mitchell will take advantage.
Read all about it in my NBA picks for this game set to tip-off at the PHX Center at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 21.
Cavaliers vs Suns prediction
My best bet: Donovan Mitchell Over 3.5 Threes Made (+135 at bet365)
My analysis
It’s funny the Cleveland Cavaliers have just 13 total losses, but this is the second time they've lost three games in a row this season.
I think we can give the Cavs a bit of a pass. They were on a 16-game winning streak before losing to the Orlando Magic last Sunday, which was followed by heading on a West Coast road trip that opened with a back-to-back against the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings.
The Cavs are still one of the best teams in the NBA — ranking second in net rating — and as much as the Phoenix Suns would love to extend Cleveland’s losing streak to four, there’s a reason the spread is so large.
While the Suns have won three of their last four games, that is likely more a result of the recent competition they've faced than actually showing some improvement. And Phoenix needs to improve, particularly on defense.
The Suns just haven’t found their chemistry all season. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker have been fine when getting buckets, but the effort on the other end of the floor has been costly. Phoenix enters this game ranked 25th in defensive rating since the All-Star break and has been burned by the 3-ball.
The Suns allow the fifth-most 3-point attempts and rank 24th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage during this period.
That is not a recipe for success against the Cavs. Cleveland leads the NBA in offensive rating and is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, ranking first in 3-point shooting percentage and fourth in 3-point attempts per game.
It all starts with Donovan Mitchell. The six-time All-Star is averaging 24.1 points per game thanks to taking a massive 9.0 threes per game while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc.
Mitchell’s been a little cold from three over the last few games, but I think that’s giving us some value in this matchup against the Suns. His three-made prop sits at 3.5, overpriced at an enticing +135.
Shooters shoot, and that’s exactly what Mitchell is. A little slump won’t change that.
Cavaliers vs Suns same-game parlay
Donovan Mitchell Over 3.5 threes
Nick Richards Under 10.5 points
Evan Mobley Over 17.5 points
It’s not all about offense for the Cavaliers. They also rank ninth in defensive rating, and with twin towers Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen protecting the rim, it can be tough sledding for opposing big men.
That’s why I’m adding Nick Richards Under 10.5 points. Richards averages 10.3 points per game as a member of the Suns this season but with the Cavs ranking eighth in opponent points in the paint per game, I like him to land Under this number tonight.
The Suns, on the other hand, rank 18th in opponent points in the paint, and with their defensive struggles, this could be a productive night for Evan Mobley. The 6-foot-11 forward averages 18.8 points per game and is in a groove, putting up 21+ points in three of his last four games.
His point total is at a modest 17.5, so let’s add the Over to this same-game parlay, which can be profit-boosted by 30% at bet365 tonight!
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Cavaliers vs Suns odds
Cavaliers vs Suns live odds
Cavaliers vs Suns opening odds
- Spread: Cleveland -7.5 | Phoenix +7.5
- Moneyline: Cleveland -300 | Phoenix +240
- Over/Under: Over 240 | Under 240
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Cavaliers vs Suns spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Suns opened this matchup as 7.5-point home underdogs, but bettors liked the Cavaliers at that price, moving the spread to 8.5.
- The Cavaliers have been a great bet for most of the season but have hit a bit of an ATS slump, going 3-7 ATS over the last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Suns, who have been a bad bet most of the season, are 7-2 ATS over their last nine.
- The total hit board was at 240; however, early bettors hammered the Under, moving the number to 233.5 on Friday afternoon.
- The Cavaliers have been one of the best Over bets in the NBA this season at 44-25 O/U thanks to their elite offense and high pace of play. Considering the good matchup against a struggling Suns' defense, I would lean to the Over at this adjusted number.
Cavaliers vs Suns trend
The Suns have only covered the spread in 29 of their last 79 games for -23.75 Units and a -27% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Suns.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Suns
| Location | Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ |
| Date | Friday, 3-21-2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | AZFamily, FDSN-Ohio |
Cavaliers vs Suns latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
