The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Portland Trail Blazers in a matchup featuring two teams navigating mid-season turbulence. The Cavaliers, clinging to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, look to capitalize on home-court advantage against a Blazers squad mired in a slump and dealing with significant roster challenges. This Northwest Division vs. Central Division clash could highlight Cleveland’s depth against Portland’s resilience, with implications for both teams’ positioning as the NBA season hits its stride.
Game Details
Tipoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio (home of the Cavaliers; capacity ~19,500; known for its electric atmosphere during recent playoff runs)
Broadcast: KUNP (Portland market), FDSOH (Cleveland market); streaming available on NBA League Pass
Team Records
| Team | Overall Record | Home/Road Split | Division Standing |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 8-13 | 5-6 / 3-7 | 4th in Northwest |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 13-9 | 8-4 / 5-5 | 4th in Central |
The Blazers sit 11.5 games back in their division, while the Cavs are just 2.5 games out in theirs, underscoring Cleveland’s stronger start despite inconsistencies.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter on uneven notes, with Portland desperate to halt a skid and Cleveland aiming to build momentum at home.
Portland Trail Blazers (2-8 in last 10; L3 streak):
The Blazers have struggled offensively and defensively lately, averaging 112.8 points per game (PPG) over their last five while allowing 118.6 PPG. Their three-game losing streak includes narrow defeats but exposes turnover issues (16.2 per game) and poor three-point shooting (32.7% in losses). A road win at Milwaukee (115-103) on November 24 provided a brief spark, but back-to-back losses to Oklahoma City highlight vulnerabilities against elite defenses. Key stat: Portland ranks 25th in defensive rating (115.8 allowed).
Cleveland Cavaliers (5-5 in last 10; W1 streak):
Cleveland snapped a mini-slump with a commanding 135-119 home win over Indiana on Monday, shooting 50% from the field and forcing 18 turnovers. Over their last five games, they’ve averaged 120.2 PPG but allowed 116.4, showing offensive firepower (27.2 assists per game league-wide) tempered by rebounding woes (43.9 per game). The Cavs are 4-1 in their last five home games, leaning on balanced scoring. Key stat: Cleveland ranks 6th in offensive rating (119.5).
Injury Report
Injuries are a major storyline, particularly for Portland, which could be without key guards and wings. Cleveland’s frontcourt depth takes a hit, but their backcourt remains intact.
Portland Trail Blazers:
| Player | Position | Status | Estimated Return | Notes |
| Scoot Henderson | G | Out | Dec. 7 | Hamstring strain |
| Jrue Holiday | G | Out | Dec. 20 | Calf injury |
| Blake Wesley | G | Out | TBD | Foot issue |
| Damian Lillard | G | Out | Season-ending | Achilles rupture |
| Matisse Thybulle | G/F | Out | TBD | Thumb injury |
The Blazers are playing the second night of a back-to-back, exacerbating fatigue risks. No game-time decisions reported yet.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
| Player | Position | Status | Estimated Return | Notes |
| Jarrett Allen | C | Out | Dec. 12 | Right 3rd finger strain |
| Max Strus | G/F | Out | Dec. 22 | Left foot (Jones fracture) |
| Larry Nance Jr. | F | Out | Dec. 5 | Right calf strain |
| Sam Merrill | G | Out | Dec. 12 | Right hand sprain |
| Lonzo Ball | G | Probable | N/A | Illness/rest (expected to play) |
Allen and Nance’s absences weaken Cleveland’s interior defense, but Evan Mobley steps up as the primary rim protector.
Key Player Matchups
This game pits Cleveland’s dynamic backcourt against Portland’s depleted perimeter, with frontcourt battles deciding rebounding and paint scoring.
Donovan Mitchell (CLE, 29.0 PPG) vs. Anfernee Simons (POR, ~22 PPG): Mitchell’s explosiveness (36.8% from three) could exploit Portland’s shorthanded guards. Simons must match his aggression to keep Portland in rhythm, but Holiday’s absence leaves him isolated. Edge: Mitchell.
Evan Mobley (CLE, 18.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG) vs. Jerami Grant (POR, 23.0 PPG): Mobley’s elite shot-blocking (1.5 BPG) vs. Grant’s mid-range efficiency. With Allen out, Mobley anchors the paint, but Grant’s versatility could pull him away from the rim. Edge: Even.
Darius Garland (CLE, 18.0 PPG, 6.5 APG) vs. Shaedon Sharpe (POR, 18.5 PPG): Garland’s playmaking shines in transition; Sharpe’s athleticism offers counterpunch potential, but Portland’s 18.0 turnovers per game invite Garland’s steals (1.2 SPG). Edge: Garland.
Other watches: Deni Avdija (POR, 25.0+ PPG recently) vs. Cleveland’s wing defense; De’Andre Hunter (CLE) stepping up off the bench.
Series History
The all-time regular-season series favors Portland slightly (73-61), but Cleveland has dominated recently, winning 6 of the last 10 meetings. The Blazers’ last win came on March 2, 2025 (133-129 OT thriller at home), but the Cavs responded with a 122-111 road victory on March 25, 2025, behind Mitchell’s 35 points. In Cleveland, the Cavs are 5-2 in the last seven home games vs. Portland. Average score in last 10: Cavs 110.2, Blazers 105.4. Portland struggles in Cleveland (2-8 in last 10 road trips there).
Betting Trends
Cleveland opens as heavy favorites, reflecting home strength and Portland’s woes. Public money leans Cavs, but Blazers have value on the spread.
| Trends |
| CLE 8-4 SU at home; POR 3-7 SU on road. Public 72% on CLE. |
| CLE 8-14 ATS overall (2-3 as 10.5+ favs); POR 11-10 ATS (7-3 as dogs). |
| POR 14-7 O (avg total 229.8); CLE 11-11 (avg 235.3). 7-3 O in last 10 H2H. |
Additional trends: Cavs 4-6 ATS in last 10; Blazers 2-8 SU in last 10 but 6-4 ATS as road dogs.
Game Odds
Portland Trail Blazers 240.5
Cleveland Cavaliers – 9.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 2, 2025
