New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers Picks and Predictions for Tuesday, December 23, 2025
New Orleans visits Cleveland on Tuesday night at Rocket Arena. The Pelicans are 7–22 and will complete a back-to-back after hosting Dallas on Monday, while the Cavaliers are 15–14 and will also complete a back-to-back after playing at home versus Charlotte on Monday. Build your bankroll with our free NBA picks.
New Orleans Pelicans Preview
New Orleans is led offensively by Zion Williamson, averaging 21.3 points per game, while Trey Murphy III, who averages 21.2 points per game, is the second leading scorer and gives the Pelicans consistent perimeter scoring with strong shooting. Derik Queen anchors the interior, averaging 13.0 points, a team-high 6.7 rebounds, and leading the Pelicans with 4.0 assists per game. The Pelicans score through pace and spacing, relying on the backcourt to create through driving the lane and kick-out opportunities.
Defensively, New Orleans struggles to keep opponents from scoring, allowing 122.5 points per game. Herbert Jones leads the team with 1.7 steals per game, while Yves Missi provides rim protection with 1.0 blocks per game. Rebounding remains an issue despite Queen’s presence, and the Pelicans often give up second chances when opponents’ shots don’t fall. Injury-wise, Herbert Jones is listed as questionable, while Dejounte Murray remains out with an Achilles injury.
Key Team Stats
- Points For: 115.3
- Points Against: 122.5
- Field Goal %: 46%
- Rebounds: 43.1
- Assists: 24.8
- Steals: 9.1
- Blocks: 3.7
Cleveland Cavaliers Preview
Cleveland’s offense starts with Donovan Mitchell, who averages 30.7 points per game and also leads the team with 5.5 assists per game. Evan Mobley adds 19.1 points and a team-high 9.3 rebounds per game, giving the Cavaliers a reliable inside option. Darius Garland contributes 16.9 points and 6.5 assists, helping Cleveland balance scoring between the perimeter and the paint.
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On defense, Cleveland allows 117.0 points per game and relies heavily on Mobley’s rim protection, as he leads the team with 1.6 blocks per game. Lonzo Ball leads the Cavaliers in steals, averaging 1.5 per game. The Cavaliers are strong on the boards and do a better job limiting second-chance looks than New Orleans. On the injury report, Larry Nance Jr. and Max Strus are out, while Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, and Craig Porter Jr. are listed as game-time decisions.
Key Team Stats
- Points For: 118.7
- Points Against: 117.0
- Field Goal %: 46%
- Rebounds: 44.8
- Assists: 26.9
- Steals: 8.9
- Blocks: 5.1
Pelicans vs Cavaliers Prediction
New Orleans has scoring options, but Cleveland holds advantages in interior defense, rebounding, and recent performances at home. With Mitchell dictating the pace and Mobley controlling the paint, the Cavaliers will pull away over four quarters. Final Score Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers win and cover ATS, 121–110. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Pelicans with the Thrillz promo code. Make the most of your bets on the Cavaliers by using the sportsbook promos. Make sure when you place your Pelicans vs Cavaliers bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.
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