Game Details:
- Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers (Visitors) at Atlanta Hawks (Home)
- Date: Tuesday, November 28
- Time: 7:40 PM EST
- Spread: Cavaliers -5.5
- Total: 240.5
Game Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks in what projects to be a classic matchup of conflicting styles. The Cavaliers, favored by 5.5 points on the road, bring their defensive-minded identity against a Hawks team known for its high-powered, fast-paced offense. However, the status of key personnel for Atlanta looms large over this contest.
The betting line, featuring a high total of 240.5, anticipates a high-scoring affair, yet the Cavaliers’ strengths lie in preventing just that. Cleveland has built its success on the formidable frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who anchor one of the league’s top defenses. Offensively, the backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland provides the scoring punch needed to keep pace with any opponent. As road favorites, the expectation is for the Cavs to control the tempo and impose their will on the game.
For the Atlanta Hawks, everything revolves around their offensive engine. Typically led by star guard Trae Young, the Hawks look to push the pace and overwhelm teams with their scoring. However, a review of available injury reports provides a murky picture of their status for this game. Multiple reports regarding a knee injury for Young are dated for 2025, while a separate report from October 2023 listed him as questionable with an Achilles issue. With no definitive current information provided, the availability of their franchise player is the single biggest question mark. If Young is unable to play, the offensive and playmaking burden will fall squarely on the shoulders of Dejounte Murray, fundamentally altering the Hawks’ game plan.
Prediction
The significant 5.5-point spread in favor of a road team suggests that oddsmakers are either confident in a Cavaliers victory or are pricing in the potential absence of a key player for the Hawks. Given the uncertainty surrounding Atlanta, the more reliable bet is on the known quantity: Cleveland’s elite defense.
The Cavaliers’ ability to slow the game down and protect the rim with Mobley and Allen is the perfect antidote to what the Hawks want to do offensively. This defensive consistency travels well and should be the deciding factor. Even if the Hawks are at full strength, Cleveland has the personnel to make this a grind-it-out affair.
The total of 240.5 is incredibly high, banking on a track meet. This plays right into Atlanta’s hands but is the opposite of how Cleveland prefers to play. We’ll bank on the superior defense dictating the style of the game, leading to a lower-scoring outcome than the total suggests, especially if the Hawks’ offense is compromised by injury.
The Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5
Total: Under 240.5
Sources:
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Status – ESPN
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
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