NBA · Final

Cavaliers Edge Pelicans in Close Contest

111

106

Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center

Cleveland Cavaliers 111, New Orleans Pelicans 106, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Cleveland Cavaliers beat New Orleans Pelicans 111-106 at Smoothie King Center on March 21, 2026.

Who was favored in Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111-106 at the Smoothie King Center. This victory marks the Cavaliers' third consecutive win over the Pelicans this season, having previously won both earlier meetings by significant margins, 141-118 and 128-100. The Cavaliers, who now have a strong away record of 44-27, continue to assert their dominance in this series, having won all three encounters this season.

The Pelicans entered the game with a home record of 25-47, showcasing a recent uptick in form with a 6-4 record over their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. They averaged 119.0 points scored and allowed 114.3 points during this stretch, indicating a competitive edge at home. Their last five games saw them winning four, with an average of 117.0 points scored and 107.4 points allowed. However, the Pelicans have struggled against tougher opponents, as evidenced by their overall record.

Conversely, the Cavaliers also posted a 6-4 record in their last ten games, with a current winning streak of two. They averaged 116.9 points scored and allowed 113.2 points during this span. Their recent form includes a notable win against the Chicago Bulls, where they triumphed 115-110, and a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, 123-116.

In terms of home versus away performance, the Pelicans have been particularly strong at home with a 5-0 record in their last five games, while the Cavaliers have maintained a solid away record of 4-2 in their last six games. The matchup was expected to be competitive, with the market favoring the Cavaliers by 4.5 points, as indicated by DraftKings, which set the total at 237.5.

Injury concerns for the Pelicans included Micah Peavy, who was listed as day-to-day due to rest, and Bryce McGowens, also day-to-day with a toe issue. Their absence could have impacted the team's depth and overall performance during this crucial game.

The game conditions were conducive to a high-paced contest, with both teams looking to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The fourth quarter was particularly intense, featuring several key plays. Dejounte Murray's free throws, a total of three flagrant shots, were pivotal in extending the Cavaliers' lead. The Pelicans fought back with a driving layup from Zion Williamson, but it was not enough to close the gap.

As the game progressed, the Cavaliers maintained their composure, with Donovan Mitchell contributing significantly with a driving layup and a crucial free throw to seal the victory. The final score of 111-106 reflects the competitive nature of the game, with both teams showcasing their scoring capabilities and strategic plays.

Overall, the Cavaliers' ability to execute in critical moments and their strong record against the Pelicans this season were key factors in their success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams adjust in their upcoming games, particularly the Pelicans as they look to improve their standing.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CLE -4.5	237.5 o -112 / u -108	Cleveland Cavaliers -205 · New Orleans Pelicans +170

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans

Leaders

PointsZion Williamson25New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsDejounte Murray9New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsYves Missi10New Orleans Pelicans
PointsDonovan Mitchell27Cleveland Cavaliers
AssistsJames Harden10Cleveland Cavaliers
ReboundsSam Merrill10Cleveland Cavaliers

Recent form

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 6-4Streak W3119 scored · 114.3 allowed per game5-0 at home

W105-99vs LA ClippersMar 20
W124-109vs LA ClippersMar 19
W129-111vs Dallas MavericksMar 17
L105-107at Houston RocketsMar 14
W122-111vs Toronto RaptorsMar 12
W138-118vs Washington WizardsMar 8
L116-118at Phoenix SunsMar 7
W133-123at Sacramento KingsMar 6
L101-110at Los Angeles LakersMar 4
L117-137at LA ClippersMar 2

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 6-4Streak W2116.9 scored · 113.2 allowed per game4-2 away

W115-110at Chicago BullsMar 20
W123-116at Milwaukee BucksMar 18
L120-130vs Dallas MavericksMar 15
W138-105at Dallas MavericksMar 13
L122-128at Orlando MagicMar 11
W115-101vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 9
L98-109vs Boston CelticsMar 8
W113-109vs Detroit PistonsMar 4
W106-102at Brooklyn NetsMar 1
L119-122at Detroit PistonsFeb 28

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Detroit	-	22	W3	.732	60
Cleveland	8	30	W1	.634	52
Milwaukee	28	50	L1	.390	32
Chicago	29	51	L2	.378	31
Indiana	41	63	L2	.232	19
San Antonio	-	20	L1	.756	62
Houston	10	30	W1	.634	52
New Orleans	36	56	L2	.317	26
Dallas	36	56	W1	.317	26
Memphis	37	57	L8	.305	25

Box score

Stat	Cleveland Cavaliers	New Orleans Pelicans
Field goals	42-88	39-90
Field goal %	48	43
Three-pointers	12-39	12-40
Three-point %	31	30
Free throws	15-22	16-20
Free throw %	68	80
Rebounds	55	40
Offensive rebounds	14	10
Defensive rebounds	41	30
Assists	26	30
Steals	6	10
Blocks	4	7
Turnovers	13	9
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	1	0
Points off turnovers	21	14
Fast-break points	10	14
Points in the paint	60	54
Fouls	17	19
Largest lead	13	15
Lead changes	4	4
Time in front	51	45

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter69-82Saddiq Bey makes 27-foot three point jumper (Zion Williamson assists)
3rd Quarter72-82James Harden makes 24-foot three pointer
3rd Quarter74-82Thomas Bryant makes layup (Donovan Mitchell assists)
3rd Quarter74-84Derik Queen makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
3rd Quarter75-84Dennis Schroder makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter75-85Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter75-86Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter76-86Thomas Bryant makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter76-88Jeremiah Fears makes 1-foot running dunk (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter76-90Zion Williamson makes driving layup (Jeremiah Fears assists)
4th Quarter78-90Thomas Bryant makes 1-foot dunk (Max Strus assists)
4th Quarter78-91Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter78-92Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter78-93Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter81-93James Harden makes 24-foot running pullup jump shot
4th Quarter81-95Karlo Matkovic makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Jeremiah Fears assists)
4th Quarter84-95James Harden makes 24-foot three pointer
4th Quarter87-95Donovan Mitchell makes 29-foot three pointer
4th Quarter88-95Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter89-95Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter91-95James Harden makes two point shot
4th Quarter94-95James Harden makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
4th Quarter94-96Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter94-97Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter96-97Donovan Mitchell makes driving layup
4th Quarter96-99Dejounte Murray makes 1-foot two point shot (Yves Missi assists)
4th Quarter98-99Donovan Mitchell makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot (James Harden assists)
4th Quarter100-99Max Strus makes driving layup
4th Quarter102-99James Harden makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter103-99Sam Merrill makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter104-99Sam Merrill makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter106-99Evan Mobley makes 1-foot dunk (James Harden assists)
4th Quarter106-100Dejounte Murray makes free throw flagrant 1 of 3
4th Quarter106-101Dejounte Murray makes free throw flagrant 2 of 3
4th Quarter106-102Dejounte Murray makes free throw flagrant 3 of 3
4th Quarter108-102Sam Merrill makes 1-foot layup (Evan Mobley assists)
4th Quarter108-104Zion Williamson makes driving layup (Dejounte Murray assists)
4th Quarter108-106Dejounte Murray makes running layup
4th Quarter110-106Donovan Mitchell makes driving layup (James Harden assists)
4th Quarter111-106Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 1