The Win Meter favors the Cavaliers at home against the Lakers on Thursday, March 25, at about 63%. That is a real edge, but the Lakers are far from out of it.
How the Win Meter reads
The Win Meter reads the Cavaliers 63%, with a projected score of Los Angeles Lakers 113, Cleveland Cavaliers 116. The rating gap is 6 points in favor of the Lakers, and home court and rest add about 100 rating points for the Cavaliers on top of that.
Readings in this range leave plenty of room for the other side. About 37 times in 100 games like this, the Lakers would win.
Recent form
The Lakers are 3-0 this season and 3-2 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of +2.2. The Cavaliers are 2-1 this season and 2-3 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -10.4.
The Lakers' best recent win was 127-105 at home against GSW.
The Lakers were beaten 131-108 at home by OKC not long ago.
The Cavaliers were beaten 130-93 at home by NYK not long ago.
Offense against defense
The Lakers score 128 a game and allow 115. The Cavaliers score 119.3 and allow 120. Pairing each offense with the other defense points to about 124 for the Lakers and 117.2 for the Cavaliers, a simple check on the Win Meter's projection.
The Lakers' offense is the stronger unit against the Cavaliers' defense.
Injuries to watch
Out: Cameron Carr (LAL) and Adou Thiero (LAL), expected back Oct 28, 2026.
Day to day or questionable: Walker Kessler (LAL). Their status can change before tip-off.
The season series
In our records of recent meetings, the Cavaliers lead 3-1, with the Cavaliers outscoring the Lakers by an average of 13 points per game. The last meeting was CLE 113, LAL 127.