Cleveland Cavaliers vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction | 02.01.26

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 01-02-2026

The NBA regular season brings us an intriguing cross-conference clash as the Cleveland Cavaliers (29-21) travel to the Moda Center to face the Portland Trail Blazers (23-26) on January 2nd, 2026, at 9:00 PM EST. Both teams are navigating significant roster challenges, setting the stage for a game where depth and adaptability will be paramount.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Portland Trail Blazers Matchup Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers Key Stats & Trends

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter this contest with a respectable record, largely propelled by the stellar play of their backcourt maestro, Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell has been an offensive force, averaging an impressive 29.1 points per game while also orchestrating the offense with 5.8 assists per game. His all-around impact is undeniable, reflected in his comprehensive stat line of 29.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 0.2 BPG. Complementing Mitchell’s scoring, Jarrett Allen anchors the paint, leading the team with 7.8 rebounds per game. Despite their solid standing, the Cavaliers’ recent form has been inconsistent, and they’ve struggled to maintain defensive intensity without key personnel.

Injury Report Cleveland Cavaliers

• Dennis Schroder (Day-to-day): Schroder was traded to Cleveland along with Keon Ellis in exchange for De’Andre Hunter on Saturday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
• Keon Ellis (Day-to-day): Ellis was traded alongside Dennis Schroder to the Cavaliers in exchange for De’Andre Hunter, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
• Craig Porter Jr. (Day-to-day): Porter (knee) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Trail Blazers.
• Darius Garland (Out): Garland (toe) will not play Sunday against Portland.
• Evan Mobley (Out): Mobley (calf) is expected to miss at least one week, Chris Haynes of NBA TV reports.
• Max Strus (Out): Strus (foot) is expected to miss at least four more weeks, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.

Portland Trail Blazers Key Stats & Trends

The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled to find consistent footing this season, a challenge exacerbated by a wave of injuries. Their offensive production has largely fallen on the shoulders of Deni Avdija, who leads the team in scoring with 25.5 points per game and playmaking with 6.7 assists per game. Avdija’s versatility is evident in his 25.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, and 0.6 BPG. Rookie big man Donovan Clingan has been a revelation on the glass, pulling down an impressive 11.1 rebounds per game. However, the Blazers’ overall team performance has been severely hampered by their extensive injury list, making it difficult to establish any rhythm or defensive continuity.

Injury Report Portland Trail Blazers

• Robert Williams III (Day-to-day): Williams (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Cleveland.
• Blake Wesley (Out): Wesley (foot) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cavaliers.
• Matisse Thybulle (Out): Thybulle (thumb/knee) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Cavaliers.
• Jrue Holiday (Out): Holiday (personal) will not play Sunday against the Cavaliers.
• Deni Avdija (Day-to-day): Avdija (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cavaliers.
• Scoot Henderson (Out): Henderson (hamstring) will not play Sunday against the Cavaliers.
• Kris Murray (Out): Murray (back) won’t play Friday in New York.
• Duop Reath (Out): The Trail Blazers announced Thursday that Reath has undergone season-ending right foot surgery.
• Damian Lillard (Out): Lillard won’t be back on the court for the 2025-26 season, as he made clear during an interview with YouTube influencer Speed on Wednesday.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction & Best Bet

Considering the severity of the injury reports for both squads, this game will come down to which team can better manage its depleted roster. While the Cavaliers are missing key players like Garland, Mobley, and Strus, they still possess a bona fide superstar in Donovan Mitchell, who can single-handedly carry the offense. The recent additions of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis also provide some much-needed depth. The Trail Blazers, however, are facing an almost unprecedented injury crisis, with Damian Lillard out for the season, Jrue Holiday sidelined, and key rotational pieces like Scoot Henderson, Matisse Thybulle, and Kris Murray also out. Even their primary offensive threat, Deni Avdija, is questionable. This level of attrition makes it incredibly difficult for Portland to compete at a high level.

Therefore, the definitive prediction for this contest is a victory for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They possess more healthy talent and experience, particularly with Mitchell leading the charge against a severely undermanned Blazers team.

Regarding the total points line of 229.5, despite the numerous injuries, the absence of key defensive players like Evan Mobley for Cleveland and Matisse Thybulle for Portland, combined with the high-usage offensive roles for players like Mitchell and potentially Avdija (if he plays), suggests a more open game. Both teams will rely on their remaining offensive threats to shoulder a heavier load, and the lack of defensive anchors could lead to increased scoring opportunities. Our pick is for the total to go over 229.5 points.