Cleveland looks to build on recent success against New Orleans at Smoothie King Center
Category: Sports
On March 21, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers will face off against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA, at 7:00 p.m. ET. This matchup comes at a key moment for both teams, with Cleveland riding a wave of recent success, including a victory over the Chicago Bulls, and New Orleans showing signs of improvement under interim head coach James Borrego.
The Cavaliers, boasting a 43-27 record, are coming off a hard-fought 115-110 win against the Bulls on March 19. James Harden led Cleveland with a standout performance, scoring 36 points along with 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley contributed significantly with 26 points and 14 rebounds, stepping up impressively during Jarrett Allen's absence.
Mobley’s role has evolved since the trade for Harden, decreasing his three-point attempts from nearly six per game early this season to about three. This adjustment appears to be a strategic move to maximize the effectiveness of the Cavaliers' offensive scheme. With Allen sidelined due to a knee injury, Mobley has taken on a more prominent role, particularly during this three-game road trip.
On the other hand, the Pelicans, with a 25-46 record, have shown resilience, winning three of their last eight games. They recently defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 105-99, where Trey Murphy III led the scoring with 27 points. The Pelicans have lost two of their last eight games, both by narrow margins of just two points, indicating they are competitive and improving.
Under Borrego's leadership, the Pelicans have turned around a struggling season, and they will look to capitalize on their home court advantage against the Cavaliers. The last time these two teams met, the Cavaliers dominated with a 141-118 victory back on December 2025. This time, New Orleans will be eager to change the narrative.
Both teams have key injuries impacting their lineups. For the Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen is out, and Donovan Mitchell is listed questionable due to an eye injury. The Pelicans will be without Bryce McGowens, who is out with a toe injury. The status of Mitchell could play a decisive role, especially considering his scoring ability and leadership on the court.
The betting lines are currently favoring the Cavaliers, with a moneyline of -210 and a spread of -4.5. The over/under is set at 236.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring game. Cleveland's offense ranks third, averaging 119.69 points per game, whereas New Orleans sits at 27th with 115.40 points allowed per game. This discrepancy suggests that the Cavaliers may exploit the Pelicans' defensive weaknesses.
Fans can catch the game live on the FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, with the anticipation of a competitive matchup. The Cavaliers are 8-0 against the spread (ATS) over their last eight games, making them a formidable opponent. Conversely, the Pelicans have shown they can cover the spread effectively, especially at home.
With both teams eager to secure a win, this game is set to be a thrilling contest. Will the Cavaliers continue their winning streak, or can the Pelicans pull off an upset at home? The outcome will impact the standings and the confidence levels of both teams moving forward into the season.
Tonight's game is more than just a regular season matchup; it’s a chance for both teams to solidify their strategies and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Keep an eye on key players like Harden and Mobley for the Cavaliers, and Murphy and Williamson for the Pelicans, to see how they influence the game’s outcome.