Cleveland Cavaliers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.22.26

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.22.26

This regular-season showdown at the Paycom Center features a high-stakes cross-conference battle between the Cleveland Cavaliers (36-21) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (43-14). While Oklahoma City boasts a superior record, this matchup on February 22, 2026, is heavily dictated by a depleted Thunder rotation facing a surging Cavaliers squad looking to solidify their standing in the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Matchup Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers Key Stats & Trends

The Cavaliers enter this contest with significant momentum, led by the elite scoring of Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 28.8 points and 5.9 assists. Cleveland’s identity remains rooted in their interior dominance; Evan Mobley anchors the paint with 8.8 rebounds per game and a versatile defensive presence. With a healthy core including Jarrett Allen and James Harden, the Cavs possess the offensive depth to exploit a shorthanded perimeter defense. Their ability to move the ball (Mitchell’s 5.9 APG) ensures high-quality looks against a scrambled Thunder rotation.

Injury Report Cleveland Cavaliers

• Max Strus (Out): Strus (foot) still hasn’t been cleared for contact, Spencer Davies of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Oklahoma City Thunder Key Stats & Trends

The Thunder are facing a massive uphill battle due to a catastrophic injury report. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams sidelined, the offensive burden shifts entirely to Chet Holmgren, who leads the active roster with 17.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. While Jaylin Williams facilitates (2.5 APG), the lack of primary playmakers will likely hinder their half-court execution. OKC must rely on their league-leading pace and Holmgren’s floor spacing to remain competitive.

Injury Report Oklahoma City Thunder

• Alex Caruso (Out): Caruso has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Cleveland due to a left ankle sprain.
• Ajay Mitchell (Out): Mitchell is out for at least one more week with an abdominal strain, per Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Out): Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) will miss at least one more week, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.
• Jalen Williams (Out): Williams (hamstring) is scheduled to be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.
• Thomas Sorber (Out): The Thunder announced Friday that Sorber has sustained a torn ACL in his right knee during an offseason workout, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction & Best Bet

Given that Oklahoma City is missing over 50 points of their nightly production with SGA and Williams out, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the definitive pick to secure the road victory. Cleveland’s star power and size advantage with Mobley and Allen will be too much for Holmgren to handle alone. Regarding the total, we are leaning over the 225.5 line. Despite OKC’s injuries, the Cavaliers’ offense is clicking at a high rate, and the Thunder’s young replacements typically favor a high-possession, fast-break style that should push this game past the total.