Betting tips from AI for Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns, 31 December 2025.

Phoenix’s recent road form and turnover edge make them a tempting upset here. Scores24’s lean to the Suns with a +4.5 spread and their three-game road streak — plus Booker’s hot shooting — matter against a Cavs team that scores (119.4) but has a shaky 18th-ranked defense.

FOX Sports’ tight projection (117-116) and Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen surge don’t erase Phoenix’s league-leading 10.8 steals per game; that pressure exploits Cleveland’s ball-handlers and can flip possession-heavy close games. At 1.44 for Cleveland and 2.90 for Phoenix, the value lies with Phoenix to pull the road upset.

This NBA clash between the Cavaliers and Suns promises fireworks, but the smart money might be on an upset. Cleveland, despite Jarrett Allen's recent heroics snapping a slump, faces a formidable Phoenix squad riding a three-game road winning streak, including dominant wins over the Pelicans and Lakers. The Suns, with Booker on a hot streak and leading the league in steals at 10.8 per game, are perfectly poised to exploit Cleveland's 18th-ranked defense that's coughing up 117.3 points nightly.

While FOX Sports predicts a tight 117-116 win for the Cavs, the value lies with Phoenix at 2.90. Scores24 editors are also eyeing a Suns upset, citing their sharp balance against Cleveland's overreliance on Mitchell. Historically, these teams deliver low-scoring thrillers, with the under hitting in 15 of Cleveland's last 17 home games against Phoenix. This suggests a grind-it-out affair where Phoenix's stingy defense (allowing just 113.3 PPG) and disruptive play could tip the scales.

Despite the Cavaliers being favored at 1.44, the Phoenix Suns present compelling value at 2.90. The Suns are riding momentum with a three-game road win streak, including impressive victories over the Pelicans and Lakers.

Cleveland's defense has been vulnerable, ranking 18th and allowing 117.3 points per game - a weakness the Suns are positioned to exploit with their league-leading 10.8 steals per game. While Jarrett Allen's recent 27-point, 10-rebound performance against San Antonio was impressive, Phoenix's balanced attack and Booker's hot streak could neutralize Cleveland's home-court advantage.

The historical matchup sits at a dead-even 17-17, suggesting these teams are traditionally well-matched. FOX Sports predicts a one-point game, further indicating this contest could go either way. With Phoenix's stingy defense allowing just 113.3 points per game against Cleveland's 119.4 scoring average, the value clearly lies with the underdog Suns at 2.90.

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter this NBA showdown as heavy favorites at 1.44, but the Phoenix Suns at 2.90 scream value for bettors eyeing an upset. Cleveland's recent 113-101 win over San Antonio showcased Jarrett Allen's dominance with 27 points and 10 rebounds, snapping a mini-slump, yet their defense ranks a shaky 18th, leaking 117.3 points per game. Phoenix, meanwhile, is scorching on a three-game road win streak, including gritty victories over the Pelicans (115-108) and a blowout of the Lakers (132-108), boosting their 19-13 record. Devin Booker's hot streak against the Cavs, combined with the Suns' league-leading 10.8 steals per game, positions them to exploit Cleveland's turnover-prone play. Historically, these teams split 17-17 in 34 meetings, often in low-scoring affairs—the under 234.5 has cashed in 15 of Cleveland's last 17 home games vs. Phoenix. While FOX Sports sees a razor-thin 117-116 Cavs win, Scores24's pick of Suns +4.5 feels spot-on given Phoenix's balanced attack and Cleveland's overreliance on Donovan Mitchell. For a $1 bet, the Suns offer the profitable edge in this potential thriller.

The Phoenix Suns arrive with serious momentum, boasting a three-game road win streak after dominant victories over the Pelicans and Lakers. Their league-best 10.8 steals per game targets Cleveland's vulnerable 18th-ranked defense, which surrenders 117.3 points nightly.

While Jarrett Allen's 27-point outburst snapped Cleveland's mini-slump, the Cavs' overreliance on Donovan Mitchell and defensive lapses are concerning. History favors a tight, low-scoring affair, with the under hitting in 15 of the last 17 meetings in Cleveland.

Given Phoenix's sharp balance and Devin Booker's hot streak, the Suns at 2.90 present excellent value against the Cavaliers, who are heavily favored at 1.44.

This matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns shapes up as a fascinating clash of styles, with both teams bringing strengths that could tilt the scales. The Cavs enter with a potent offense, averaging 119.4 points per game, but their defense has been porous, giving up 117.3 points nightly—ranked just 18th in the league. Meanwhile, Phoenix counters with a top-tier defense allowing only 113.3 points per game and leads the NBA in steals (10.8 per game). This defensive edge could prove pivotal against Cleveland’s overreliance on Donovan Mitchell.
Phoenix is riding high after a three-game road win streak, including impressive victories over New Orleans and Los Angeles. Their recent momentum, coupled with Devin Booker's hot shooting against Cleveland historically, makes them dangerous underdogs at 2.90. On paper, the Cavs should dominate given their scoring prowess and Jarrett Allen’s recent heroics, but they’ve struggled to contain balanced teams like the Suns.
While FOX Sports projects a tight finish favoring Cleveland by one point, the odds suggest value lies elsewhere. At 1.44, betting on Cleveland requires significant risk for minimal reward. Instead, backing the Suns—a team built to exploit Cleveland’s defensive lapses—offers better upside. With historical trends showing low-scoring battles and Phoenix’s knack for stealing games late, this feels like a prime spot for an upset.
Given the context, smart money rides with the Suns.