Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/21/26

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be in for an unexpected tough test against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. The Pelicans are 21 games under .500, but they have been playing competitive basketball the past couple of weeks. New Orleans has a record of 10-4 in their last 14 games, and they have some wins over playoff teams such as the Clippers, Raptors, and 76ers during that span. The Pelicans will have the chance to add another win to their total tonight on their home floor against Cleveland.

The Cavaliers are the more banged up team heading into this matchup. Donovan Mitchell and Jaylon Tyson are both listed as questionable at the time of writing and their status should be monitored as we get closer to tip-off. Jarrett Allen will also miss this game, leaving Evan Mobely to take on a bigger role defending the paint. This could be a tough task against the Pelicans’ pair of 6 ‘8 ” slashing wings in Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy III. Bey is averaging 17.4 points per game, while Murphy is averaging 22 points. This duo will be difficult for Cleveland to slow down, especially with Mobely’s main attention on Zion Williamson. I do think the Pelicans are alive on the moneyline for this game. They have been playing great basketball as of late, especially on the home court. They have won their last seven games on their home floor, and it is not impossible for them to extend it to eight tonight, especially if Mitchell does not play. I will back the Pelicans and the points just in case Mitchell does suit up, but regardless I don’t think the Pelicans will rollover quietly and let their home winning streak end with a blowout. 

Pelicans +4.5 is available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.