Thunder vs. Cavaliers odds, prediction, spread, time: 2026 NBA picks for Sunday, February 22 from proven model
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Lewis
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in an intriguing matchup that could serve as a glimpse into potential NBA Finals showdown. Currently, the Cavaliers hold a strong position in the Eastern Conference with a 36-21 record and a seven-game winning streak, while the Thunder lead the Western Conference at 43-14. Despite their recent injuries, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Jalen Williams (hamstring), the Thunder have shown resilience but are on a slight downturn with a 6-6 record in their last 12 games.
The Cavaliers enter the game as 4.5-point favorites, reflecting confidence in their current form and depth. The game is notable for being only the second time this season the Thunder are underdogs. SportsLine's Projection Model predicts a close contest, with the Cavaliers having a slight edge due to their recent dominance and healthier roster.
Offensive challenges may arise for the Thunder, as both Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams remain sidelined. This leaves Chet Holmgren as the primary scoring threat, potentially limiting the team's offensive output
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/22/2026