Oklahoma City Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers Picks and Predictions for Monday, November 2, 2026

A week ago, Oklahoma City was unbeaten. Two road defeats later, the Thunder have slipped to 4-2 and second in the Northwest Division. Houston handed them a 119-98 loss Saturday, following an equally disappointing night in Dallas. Cleveland had a much happier Saturday, beating Milwaukee 136-111 to move to 4-2 and second in the Central Division. The Cavaliers have also made Rocket Arena a difficult place to visit, winning all three home games so far. Oklahoma City heads there Monday for a 7:00 pm ET tipoff on NBCSN. Check our free NBA picks for other games on Monday's schedule.

Oklahoma City Thunder Trying to Get Back on Track

Dallas and Houston have given Oklahoma City plenty to think about. The Mavericks won 120-96 on Wednesday, and the Rockets followed with a 119-98 victory Saturday. That's two defeats by more than 20 points after the Thunder started with four wins. Earlier, Oklahoma City had beaten Phoenix 125-114 and held Denver to just 84 points in another victory. The difference lately has been at the offensive end. The Thunder haven't reached 100 points in either of their last two outings, and their outside shooting has offered little relief.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 26 points, but he's hitting only 26.5% of his shots from beyond the arc. Ajay Mitchell has been an important part of the attack, putting up 18.6 points while shooting 53.6% overall. Isaiah Hartenstein is helping under the basket with 9.6 rebounds per game. Oklahoma City's biggest concern is the absence of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, two players who would normally take some responsibility away from Gilgeous-Alexander. Cleveland's size inside could make Hartenstein's work particularly important Monday.

Injuries: Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso and Thomas Sorber are out.

Cleveland Cavaliers Finding Ways to Win Close Games

Cleveland's trip to Milwaukee ended with the Cavaliers scoring 136 points, their biggest total through six games. Saturday's 136-111 victory was a change from several earlier contests that went right down to the finish. Atlanta had beaten Cleveland 114-111 on Thursday, while Minnesota forced overtime before losing 127-125. Brooklyn also came within four points of pulling off an upset. The Cavaliers have occasionally made things difficult for themselves, but they've won four of six and have yet to lose at Rocket Arena.

Donovan Mitchell is scoring 24.2 points per game, although Cleveland isn't asking him to carry the entire offense. Evan Mobley has been productive around the basket, averaging 18.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. Jarrett Allen is also grabbing 8.8 boards while blocking 2.2 shots. James Harden has contributed 17.4 points and leads the team with 6.2 assists. That combination gives Cleveland several ways to create offense. With Oklahoma City missing Holmgren, Mobley and Allen could have opportunities to make their presence felt inside.

Injuries: Jaylon Tyson is questionable.

Key To The Game

Oklahoma City held Denver to 84 points earlier this season, so Cleveland shouldn't expect another easy scoring night. But the Thunder were beaten comfortably in Dallas and Houston, and injuries have reduced their options. Mitchell and Harden can attack from the perimeter, leaving Mobley and Allen opportunities near the basket. Hartenstein must help Oklahoma City compete on the glass. The Thunder's bigger concern may be making enough shots themselves after two consecutive games below 100 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game Pick

• Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland has won three straight at Rocket Arena and enters this matchup after scoring 136 in Milwaukee. Oklahoma City has been much less convincing on the road, losing to Dallas and Houston by comfortable margins. Gilgeous-Alexander can keep the Thunder competitive, but Cleveland has Mitchell, Harden and two productive big men to share the burden. The Cavaliers also have the rebounding strength to challenge Hartenstein. I expect Cleveland to make Oklahoma City work for its baskets and protect its unbeaten home record. The Cavaliers are my pick.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers Over/Under Pick

• Under

Oklahoma City's last two games ended with totals of 216 and 217 points. The Thunder scored only 96 in Dallas and 98 in Houston, and several important players remain unavailable. Cleveland has been scoring freely, but the Cavaliers now face an opponent allowing just 107 points per game. Gilgeous-Alexander should still get his chances, although Oklahoma City's outside shooting has been unreliable. Cleveland may control the game without needing another 136-point performance. I expect fewer points than the Cavaliers produced in Milwaukee. Under is my pick.