The Cavaliers host the Suns tonight, March 11th, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and the visiting team is a 5.5-point favorite. This decision by bookie apps is slightly strange because Cleveland is comfortable as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, while Phoenix's playoff hopes are still on uneven ground as the team occupies the 6th seed in the Western Conference.

One factor tilting the betting odds in the Sun's favor is that the Cavaliers will be playing back-to-back games after Sunday's 120-101 loss to the Nets. However, the Suns also sustained a 117-107 defeat on Saturday against the Celtics. This will be the first meeting between the Suns and Cavaliers this season, and it's time to examine the odds for a bet with a FanDuel sports promo code.

The Cavaliers Are Decimated With Injuries

Injuries are becoming a problem for Cleveland and are a determining factor for the Cavalier's underdog status in tonight's game. The home team will probably step on the home court without six players, including Donovan Mitchell, who will probably spend the entire month on the bench due to a knee injury. A knee is bothering Max Strus, and Evan Mobley is facing ankle issues.

Not having its starters on the court is starting to affect results, with Cleveland going 5-5 in their last ten games. However, the Cavaliers have been formidable at home with a 22-11 record. On average, they score 113.8 points per night, shooting 49.7% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc.

Mitchell's offensive contribution will be missed, but Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen proved they can cover for their missing star point guard. Garland had a great night against the Nets with 34 points, and Jarret Allan set a career record with 33 points. Cleveland's defensive effort is one big reason for this team being playoff-bound. The Cavaliers allow 109.5 points per game and rank 4th in defensive field-goal percentage. Fatigue can play a significant role for an already decimated team, and the Cavaliers are up to a new big test tonight.

Suns Scoring Potential Is High

Phoenix's road record of 16-13 does not infuse confidence in a team perceived as a title contender. The Suns have had a seesaw type of a season, fluctuating between the win and loss column in the standings. This inconsistency can be traced to frequent injuries, especially with starters like Devin Booker, who is good to go for tonight's matchup.

The Suns focus on the offensive side of the ball, and that shows from their 117.4 points per game average. This team shot 49.2% from the field and 37.6% for three. Kevin Durant leads the team with 28.3 points per game, while Devin Booker contributes 27.5 points per night, and six players have a double-digit point average. Sun's scoring potential is huge, but defensively, they concede 114.3 points per game. Not making a more serious effort to protect their rim has cost them dearly this season.

Betting Prediction

Injuries are undermining the home team's chance to secure a win tonight. Missing three starters is why the moneyline bet on the Cavaliers receives +180 odds. The Suns are rewarded with -218 odds on a moneyline bet. The total is 222 points with -105 odds for the Over and -115 betting line for the Under. Sportsbooks with free bet offers are not confident in their 5.5-point spread, offering equal -110 odds on both teams to cover. It will be difficult for the Cavaliers to contain Durant and Booker, making Phoenix a justifiable favorite.