NBA · Final

Cavaliers Dominate Pelicans in Convincing Victory

118

141

Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Rocket Arena

Cleveland Cavaliers 141, New Orleans Pelicans 118, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.

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Quick answers

Who won New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers beat New Orleans Pelicans 141-118 at Rocket Arena on December 23, 2025.

Who was favored in New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -425 (about 81% implied). The favorite won.

The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased a commanding performance against the New Orleans Pelicans, concluding the matchup with a final score of 141-118. This victory extends the Cavaliers' lead in the season series to 2-0, following their earlier wins against the Pelicans on November 21 and November 7, where they outscored their opponents 128-100 and 131-122, respectively. The Cavaliers now hold a home record of 18-14, while the Pelicans fall to 8-24 on the season.

Cleveland entered the game with a mixed recent form, having won four of their last ten games, including a win against the Charlotte Hornets just a day prior, where they triumphed 139-132. Their average scoring in the last ten games was 120.0 points, but they also allowed an average of 121.4 points. In their last five games, they recorded a 2-3 record, scoring an average of 123.2 points while allowing 128.0 points per game. At home, their record stood at 2-5 in the last ten games, which indicates struggles despite their overall winning record.

On the other hand, the New Orleans Pelicans came into this game on a five-game winning streak, having secured victories against teams like the Dallas Mavericks and the Indiana Pacers. Their recent form had them averaging 124.9 points scored and 123.5 points allowed over their last ten games. However, their away record remained a concern, with only one win in their last three away games. The Pelicans' last five games were particularly impressive, with an average of 127.4 points scored and 114.8 points allowed, showcasing their offensive capabilities.

In terms of injuries, the Pelicans had two players listed as day-to-day: Micah Peavy, who was resting, and Bryce McGowens, who was dealing with a toe issue. Their absence could have impacted the Pelicans' performance, especially against a strong Cavaliers team.

The odds from DraftKings indicated a clear expectation of a Cavaliers win, with Cleveland favored by 9.5 points and a total set at 248.5. The moneyline reflected a strong belief in the Cavaliers' dominance, priced at -425 for Cleveland and +330 for New Orleans.

The game took place at Rocket Arena under typical NBA conditions, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair, with the Cavaliers particularly excelling in the fourth quarter. Key scoring plays included a driving layup by Jaylon Tyson and a 25-foot three-point jumper by Micah Peavy, which highlighted the Pelicans' efforts to close the gap late in the game. However, the Cavaliers maintained control throughout, ensuring their victory was never in doubt.

Overall, this matchup not only reinforced the Cavaliers' position in the league but also showcased their ability to perform under pressure, particularly at home. The Pelicans, despite their recent winning streak, faced a significant challenge against a well-rounded Cavaliers team.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CLE -9.5	248.5 o -108 / u -112	New Orleans Pelicans +330 · Cleveland Cavaliers -425

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

PointsDonovan Mitchell27Cleveland Cavaliers
AssistsCraig Porter Jr.8Cleveland Cavaliers
ReboundsJarrett Allen9Cleveland Cavaliers
PointsZion Williamson26New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsDerik Queen5New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsDerik Queen7New Orleans Pelicans

Recent form

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 4-6Streak W1120 scored · 121.4 allowed per game2-5 at home

W139-132vs Charlotte HornetsDec 23
L125-136vs Chicago BullsDec 20
L111-127at Chicago BullsDec 18
L111-119vs Charlotte HornetsDec 14
W130-126at Washington WizardsDec 13
L94-99vs Golden State WarriorsDec 7
W130-117vs San Antonio SpursDec 6
L110-122vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 4
W135-119at Indiana PacersDec 2
L115-117vs Boston CelticsNov 30

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 5-5Streak W5124.9 scored · 123.5 allowed per game1-2 away

W119-113vs Dallas MavericksDec 23
W128-109vs Indiana PacersDec 21
W133-128vs Houston RocketsDec 19
W114-104at Chicago BullsDec 15
W143-120vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 12
L132-135vs San Antonio SpursDec 9
L101-119at Brooklyn NetsDec 6
L116-125vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 5
L142-149vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 3
L121-133at Los Angeles LakersDec 1

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
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
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

Box score

Stat	New Orleans Pelicans	Cleveland Cavaliers
Field goals	43-94	56-105
Field goal %	46	53
Three-pointers	11-26	20-49
Three-point %	42	41
Free throws	21-25	9-11
Free throw %	84	82
Rebounds	43	49
Offensive rebounds	13	14
Defensive rebounds	30	35
Assists	26	40
Steals	10	8
Blocks	2	6
Turnovers	16	13
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	27	19
Fast-break points	25	11
Points in the paint	54	72
Fouls	16	21
Largest lead	3	28
Lead changes	1	1
Time in front	1	96

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter82-102Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter84-102Derik Queen makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter84-104De'Andre Hunter makes 7-foot fade away jump shot
3rd Quarter84-106Thomas Bryant makes two point shot
3rd Quarter86-106Derik Queen makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter86-108Donovan Mitchell makes driving layup
3rd Quarter87-108Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter88-108Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter88-110Donovan Mitchell makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot
3rd Quarter91-110Derik Queen makes 25-foot three pointer
4th Quarter91-113Donovan Mitchell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaylon Tyson assists)
4th Quarter94-113Jose Alvarado makes 23-foot three point jumper (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter94-115Thomas Bryant makes alley oop dunk (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter94-116Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter94-117Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter94-118Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter96-118Zion Williamson makes driving layup
4th Quarter96-121Thomas Bryant makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dean Wade assists)
4th Quarter98-121Derik Queen makes driving layup (Zion Williamson assists)
4th Quarter99-121Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter100-121Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter103-121Jose Alvarado makes 27-foot three point jumper (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter104-121Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter104-123Jarrett Allen makes reverse layup (Sam Merrill assists)
4th Quarter107-123Saddiq Bey makes 25-foot running jump shot (Bryce McGowens assists)
4th Quarter107-126Sam Merrill makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dean Wade assists)
4th Quarter107-128Jarrett Allen makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Sam Merrill assists)
4th Quarter109-128Bryce McGowens makes running dunk
4th Quarter109-129Sam Merrill makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter109-130Sam Merrill makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter109-133Jarrett Allen makes 24-foot three point jumper (Darius Garland assists)
4th Quarter109-135De'Andre Hunter makes 3-foot running dunk (Darius Garland assists)
4th Quarter109-137Jaylon Tyson makes driving layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter111-137Micah Peavy makes 23-foot running jump shot (Jose Alvarado assists)
4th Quarter111-139Jaylon Tyson makes 8-foot hook shot (Thomas Bryant assists)
4th Quarter113-139Jordan Hawkins makes layup
4th Quarter114-139Jordan Hawkins makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter115-139Jordan Hawkins makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter115-141Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes running dunk (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter118-141Micah Peavy makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jordan Hawkins assists)