Neither the Cleveland Cavaliers nor the Houston Rockets are humming these days. Cleveland has lost against the spread in seven of its last eight games, while Houston has stumbled ATS in six of its last eight.
One of them has to prevail tonight, but my Cavaliers vs. Rockets predictions avoid wondering about the spread. Instead, expect points in my NBA picks for Saturday, December 27.
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Cavaliers vs Rockets prediction
Cavaliers vs Rockets best bet: Over 235.0 (-110)
It is not just that the Cleveland Cavaliers have cashed four straight Overs.
And it is not just that the Houston Rockets have cashed six Overs in their last eight games.
It is that both defensive ratings have fallen off in the last 10 games, a worthwhile enough sample size to bet into.
Before Dec. 3, when the stretch of the last 10 games began, both defenses ranked in the top 10 in defensive rating. Houston’s, in particular, stood out, sitting at No. 3 by giving up just 111.1 points per 100 possessions.
In the last 10 games, though, the Rockets have posted the 19th defensive rating, five points worse per 100 possessions. Cleveland has fallen to No. 25 from No. 10, 5.3 points worse over the past few games.
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Diagnosing the failures is the coaching staff’s job. Your job is to capitalize on them.
Cavaliers vs Rockets same-game parlay
Alperen Sengun has cleared this prop in six of his last eight games.
Anytime this is in single digits, the decision should be clear. In trusting Sengun, putting faith in the home favorites also makes quick sense.
Cavaliers vs Rockets SGP
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Alperen Sengun Over 9.5 rebounds
Our “from downtown” SGP: Disarmed
Evan Mobley will make life difficult for Sengun, who has already fallen short of this prop in his last two games and in three of his last four.
Cavaliers vs Rockets SGP
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Alperen Sengun Over 9.5 rebounds
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Alperen Sengun Under 21.5 points
Cavaliers vs Rockets odds
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Spread: Cavaliers +4 (-110) | Rockets -4 (-110)
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Moneyline: Cavaliers +145 | Rockets -170
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Over/Under: Over 235 (-110) | Under 235 (-110)
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Cavaliers vs Rockets betting trend to know
Cleveland has not only eclipsed the total in each of its last four games, but it has done so by an average of 16 points per game. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Rockets.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Rockets
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Location |
Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
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Date |
Saturday, December 27, 2025 |
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Tip-off |
8:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
FDSN Ohio, Space City Network |
Cavaliers vs Rockets latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here