Cavaliers vs. Warriors Prediction and Odds: Back the UNDER in Klay Thompson's Return

Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson is finally making his return to the NBA after 941 days against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. 

Thompson has rehabbed a torn ACL and torn Achilles since last playing in 2019, but one of the game’s most entertaining players will finally get back to where he belongs at Chase Center. 

The Warriors come into this game after losing back-to-back games, but they are still 7-1 after a loss this season. 

Can the Cavaliers, who have been the biggest surprise in the NBA this season, spoil Thompson’s return to the lineup?

Here are the latest odds via WynnBET:

Cavaliers vs. Warriors Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Cavaliers +8.5 (-110)
• Warriors -8.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Cavaliers: +290
• Warriors: -370

Total:

• 216.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Cavaliers vs. Warriors Prediction and Pick

The Warriors and Cavaliers are two of the league’s four best teams against the spread this season, but is Golden State overvalued with Thompson returning? 

Klay isn’t expected to handle a full workload in this game, but the Warriors did beat the Cavs by 15 points in their first meeting this season. 

I mentioned how strong Golden State has been straight up after a loss, and the Warriors are also great against the spread, going 6-2 ATS so far this season. 

The Cavs have taken a bit of a step back with Ricky Rubio done for the season, but they still are third in the NBA in defensive rating. I think this should be a low-scoring matchup, and it’s worth noting that Golden State (24-12-1) and Cleveland (23-15-1) are two of the best under teams in the NBA. 

Even with Klay returning, I can’t forget that these teams played a 104-89 game in their first meeting. Golden State has failed to score 100 points in three of its last five games, and I wouldn’t be surprised if both defenses steal the show on Sunday. 

Pick: Warriors-Cavs UNDER 216.5 (-110)