Cleveland Cavaliers at San Antonio Spurs Picks and Prediction for Monday, December 29, 2025
Use Code WWWC The San Antonio Spurs (23-8) will host the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers (17-16) on Monday night. Cleveland has won the last six head-to-head meetings, but the dynamics look very different this time around, as San Antonio enters as a 3.5-point home favorite. Be ready for all the NBA action with our free NBA predictions.
Has the Cavaliers’ window closed?
After opening last season with 15 straight wins, expectations were sky-high for Cleveland. This year, however, the Cavaliers look far less convincing. They’ve dropped five of their last seven games, including back-to-back road losses to the Knicks on Christmas and a lopsided 117–100 defeat in Houston. While the offense still ranks top-10 in scoring (119.5 PPG), the defense has slipped badly, allowing 117.8 points per game, which is 21st in the league.
Donovan Mitchell continues to carry the offense at over 30 points per game, but the supporting cast has been inconsistent. Darius Garland has struggled with efficiency, and Evan Mobley’s offensive growth hasn’t fully compensated for Cleveland’s defensive regression.
As Cleveland is eighth in the Eastern Conference and mediocre in recent net ratings, the Cavs no longer resemble a true title contender, instead looking like a team that needs to shake things up and make some changes.
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Are the Spurs the best team in the NBA?
San Antonio has quietly built one of the most complete resumes in the league. At 23–8 and second in the Western Conference, the Spurs are elite on both ends of the floor, ranking seventh in scoring (120.1 PPG) and seventh in points allowed (113.6). Over their last seven games, they’re fifth in both offensive and defensive rating, which is an impressive balance few teams can match.
Victor Wembanyama remains the centerpiece, stuffing the stat sheet with 23.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and over three blocks per game while anchoring the defense. What separates this Spurs team, though, is depth and versatility. De’Aaron Fox has provided a steady scoring and playmaking presence, Stephon Castle has emerged as a two-way force, and shooters like Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Keldon Johnson stretch defenses across the floor.
Even in their recent 127–114 letdown loss to Utah, which snapped a five-game winning streak that included consecutive wins over Oklahoma City, the Spurs are having an outstanding season. Whether or not they’re the league’s best, San Antonio has firmly entered that conversation.
Cleveland Cavaliers at San Antonio Spurs Predictions
Cavs vs Spurs ATS Pick:
- Spurs -3.5 (5 units)
The Spurs are the more balanced team, especially defensively, and they’re facing a Cleveland squad that has struggled to protect the rim and maintain defensive consistency on the road. San Antonio’s length, ball movement, and depth create matchup problems across all five positions, particularly against a Cavaliers team that leans heavily on Mitchell for offense.
The Spurs’ recent loss to Utah also creates a strong bounce-back spot, while Cleveland enters off consecutive road defeats and continues to slide defensively. San Antonio doesn’t need a massive shooting night to cover this number; they just need to play their game, and I think they will.
Take the Spurs.
Cavs vs Spurs Total Pick:
- Under 241.5 (4 units)
This total feels inflated given how San Antonio prefers to play. While both teams can score, the Spurs rank among the league’s better defensive units and excel at limiting easy looks in the half-court. Cleveland’s offense has also been far less explosive away from home, especially when forced into longer possessions. Expect San Antonio to control the tempo and lean on its defense, as it often does.
Take the under.
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