Cavaliers Seek Momentum Against Pelicans on March 21

The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 21, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA, at 7:00 p.m. ET. This matchup comes at a time when both teams are displaying contrasting forms, with the Cavaliers riding a wave of momentum after a recent victory against the Chicago Bulls.

On March 19, the Cavaliers secured a hard-fought 115-110 victory over the Bulls, with James Harden leading the charge, scoring 36 points, along with seven rebounds and nine assists. This performance marked Harden's best outing since joining the Cavaliers and highlighted his growing impact on the team. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley has stepped up significantly during Jarrett Allen's absence, contributing 26 points and 14 rebounds against Chicago.

Mobley’s performance has been particularly impressive, especially during this three-game road trip. Since the trade for Harden, Mobley has adjusted his game, reducing his three-point attempts from nearly six per game early this season to about three, allowing him to focus more on his role within the pick-and-roll offense.

Conversely, the New Orleans Pelicans enter this game with a recent uptick, having won three of their last four games, including a 105-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on March 19. Trey Murphy III was a standout performer, scoring 27 points, and the Pelicans have shown resilience under interim head coach James Borrego, who has revitalized the team since taking over.

Currently, the Cavaliers hold a 43-27 record, sitting comfortably within playoff contention, whereas the Pelicans are struggling at 25-46. The Cavaliers have already defeated the Pelicans once this season, winning 141-118 back on December 23, 2025. This prior victory could provide them with a psychological edge heading into the matchup.

For the Cavaliers, injuries are a concern. Jarrett Allen is out due to a knee injury, and Donovan Mitchell is listed questionable with an eye issue. Other players such as Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor are also sidelined, which could impact the Cavaliers' depth. The Pelicans, on the other hand, will be without Bryce McGowens due to a toe injury.

The betting odds for the game favor the Cavaliers, who are -4.5 point favorites, with the total set at 236.5 points. The Cavaliers have been reliable against the spread, especially against the Pelicans, holding a 6-1 record against them over their last seven meetings.

Fans can catch the game on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, with live streaming options available for those unable to attend. The matchup promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams eager to secure a win for different reasons—Cleveland to maintain their playoff position and New Orleans to build on their recent success.

With both teams having key players stepping up and the stakes high, the Cavaliers vs. Pelicans game is not just another regular-season matchup; it could be a turning point for either team.

Expectations are high for the Cavaliers, who must leverage their experience and talent to overcome a Pelicans team that is finding its rhythm. Will the Cavaliers solidify their playoff hopes, or can the Pelicans continue their resurgence? Only time will tell.