Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction – NBA Preview 2 April 2026

Cleveland visit Chase Center as massive 1.24 favourites – and when you see the injury list for both sides, you understand why the Cavs are being priced like a home team on the road.

The Injury Situation

Golden State are decimated. Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Seth Curry, LJ Cryer and Quinten Post are all out. Steph Curry’s absence is the headline – the Warriors are essentially a development squad tonight. Cleveland aren’t unscathed either: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are all out. But even missing their three best players, the Cavaliers are miles ahead in terms of available talent.

Form and Analysis

Cleveland’s offensive rating (109.2) dwarfs Golden State’s (101.8) even before accounting for injuries. Cleveland run at a fast 103.2 pace vs Golden State’s 99.8. The Cavs have a 60% win rate; GSW sit at 40%. And Golden State’s defensive rating (108.4) is actually slightly worse than Cleveland’s (108.1) – so even the one area where you might expect home resistance doesn’t show up.

The one H2H this season: Cleveland won 99-94 at Chase Center in December, with Pat Spencer (yes, Pat Spencer) putting up 19 for the Warriors and Donovan Mitchell scoring 29 for Cleveland. Cavs won even with Mitchell on the floor. Tonight he’s not.

Key Players

With Curry absent, Brandin Podziemski is Golden State’s best available player – projected for 19.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists. An impressive line but he’s carrying a lot. Gui Santos projects for 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds as the next man up.

For Cleveland, Darius Garland leads even in a depleted side – projected 12.8 points and 4.2 assists. Wait: Garland is listed as OUT in the injuries section. Cross-referencing: yes, Garland is out. That makes Ty Jerome and the available guards the key carriers. Max Strus is also listed out. Cleveland’s offensive options narrow considerably – but they’re still the better team available.

Prop Angle

Podziemski is in a rare situation where he’s the best player on the floor for the home team. His rebounds line (projected 9.2) could be live given the depleted frontcourt. Cleveland’s available scorers will get elevated usage – watch for expanded role performances.

Verdict

Cleveland are the right side even with Mitchell, Mobley and Allen absent. Golden State without Curry simply don’t have the firepower. The +10.5 spread for Golden State at 1.90 is the only argument for the home side – but back Cleveland to win outright at 1.24.

Cleveland Cavaliers to win – 1.24