Thunder vs Cavaliers Picks and Prediction – 1/9/2025

In the first game of a Wednesday night NBA on ESPN doubleheader, the Oklahoma City Thunder will square off against the Cleveland Cavaliers from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Thunder (30-5) have won 13 of their first 16 road games and hold a seven game lead for the top spot in the Western Conference. On Sunday, Oklahoma City outscored NBA Champion Boston by 23 points during the second half to earn a 105-92 home victory.

All-Star G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 33 points to go along with 11 rebounds and six assists. Aaron Wiggins scored 15 points (6-9 FG) in 20 minutes off the Oklahoma City bench. Lu Dort added 14 points and six rebounds for the Thunder, who limited the Celtics to 37 percent from the field. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have just one blemish through their first 19 home games and are sitting 5.5 games clear of Boston for first place in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers (31-4) lead the NBA in offensive efficiency and are scoring 122.5 points per contest. On Sunday, Cleveland built a 15-point halftime lead and coasted to a 115-105 home victory versus lowly Charlotte. 

Cleveland G Darius Garland tallied a game-high 25 points on 8-for-14 from the floor. All-Star G Donovan Mitchell knocked down 3-for-7 from long distance and finished with 19 points. Jarrett Allen added 19 points (9-10 FG) and 11 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who were outrebounded by a 48-41 margin.

Oklahoma City G Alex Caruso (hip) will not play in this showdown and F/C Chet Holmgren is expected to remain sidelined until next month. The Cavaliers own a slight edge on the glass and are the healthier team. Take the home team to win in cover in this potential NBA Finals preview. Final Score Prediction, Cleveland Cavaliers win 117-109.