The Cleveland Cavaliers (36‑21) head into Paycom Center riding a seven‑game winning streak, looking to test themselves against the Oklahoma City Thunder (43‑14). Sunday’s clash is one of the marquee matchups of the weekend, with Cleveland listed as a modest 2.5‑point favorite despite Oklahoma City’s superior record and home‑court advantage.
The over/under sits at 224.5, a number that reflects both teams’ offensive firepower and defensive efficiency. Cleveland has leaned heavily on Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, while the Thunder continue to thrive behind Chet Holmgren and a balanced roster.
With the Thunder boasting the league’s top defense (107.6 points allowed per game) and the Cavaliers ranking second in scoring (119.8 points per game), this game sets up as a fascinating clash of styles.
Best Bet: Thunder +2.5 (-110) at DraftKings
While Cleveland has been red‑hot, winning nine of its last ten, the Thunder’s defensive consistency and home‑court advantage make them the stronger play against the spread. Oklahoma City allows just 107.6 points per game, the best mark in the NBA, and they’ve gone 34‑2 when scoring more than 115.3 points.
Cleveland, meanwhile, has struggled ATS as favorites of 2.5 or more, posting a 17‑25 record in such spots. The Cavaliers’ offense has been explosive, but the Thunder’s shooting efficiency (48.6%) and ability to limit opponents (43.4% FG allowed) suggest they can neutralize Cleveland’s attack.
The total of 224.5 leans toward the over given both teams average nearly 240 combined points per game, but the ATS value lies with Oklahoma City. Expect the Thunder to protect home court, cover the spread, and potentially win outright.
This safer parlay ties Oklahoma City’s ability to cover with Mitchell’s scoring consistency and the likelihood of both teams pushing the pace. If Cleveland’s stars produce while the Thunder’s balanced attack holds serve, the game should trend toward the over.
The longshot parlay banks on Oklahoma City winning outright, Holmgren controlling the glass, and Harden facilitating Cleveland’s offense. This combination reflects a game flow where both teams lean on their stars, but the Thunder’s depth and defense tilt the outcome.
The above odds are sourced from FanDuel.
Odds updated: February 22, 2026 – 12:00 am. ET. Lines may move throughout the day.
| Team | Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | Alex Caruso | Ankle | Out |
| Thunder | Ajay Mitchell | Abdomen | Out |
| Thunder | Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander | Abdomen | Out |
| Thunder | Jalen Williams | Hamstring | Out |
| Thunder | Thomas Sorber | ACL | Out |
| Cavaliers | Max Strus | Foot | Out |
The game tips off Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
The matchup will be played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Fans can watch on ABC or stream via NBA League Pass.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | February 22, 2026 |
| Time | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| Arena | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| TV/Streaming | ABC |
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