Cleveland Cavaliers vs Houston Rockets (Image via Getty) The Cleveland Cavaliers visit Houston on Saturday night for a game that matters to both sides in the playoff picture. Cleveland is trying to steady itself after mixed results, while the Houston Rockets come in with confidence following a strong win on Christmas Day.The matchup is shaped by clear strengths and weaknesses. Houston has been one of the league’s best teams on the offensive glass, especially at home. Cleveland has relied heavily on its starters to score and has struggled to finish defensive possessions. With injuries affecting rotations, the margin for error is small at the Toyota Center.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Houston Rockets Game time, odds, and how to watch (December 27, 2025)
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT) on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Houston is favored by 4.5 to 5.5 points, with the total sitting between 234.5 and 235.5 points. Those lines reflect Houston’s home record and Cleveland’s uneven road play.The game will air locally on Space City Home Network in Houston and Fox Sports Ohio in Cleveland. It is also available on NBA League Pass, with radio coverage on SportsTalk 790 (790 AM).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Houston Rockets Injury report and lineup impact (December 27, 2025)
Houston Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet, who is out with a torn ACL and is not expected back this season. Alperen Sengun is listed as questionable due to left calf tightness. His availability could affect Houston’s scoring and rebounding in the paint.Cleveland is missing several rotation and depth players, including Livingston, Nance, Maxus, and Luke Travers. While the main starters are available, the shortened bench puts added pressure on the core group, particularly in a road game.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Houston Rockets Key players and matchup notes
Donovan Mitchell leads Cleveland Cavaliers with 30.7 points per game. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen handle most of the work inside, but team rebounding has been an issue. That weakness is notable against a Houston team that leads the league with a 41.1% offensive rebound rate.Houston Rockets are led by Kevin Durant at 25.2 points per game. Amen Thompson has been productive recently, adding scoring and rebounding. If Sengun plays, his presence gives Houston another reliable option in half-court sets.TeamRecordATSLast 10Key Stat Leader Cleveland Cavaliers 17-15 11-21 4-6 Mitchell: 30.7 PPG Houston Rockets 18-10 16-12 5-5 Durant: 25.2 PPG
Recent form and expected result
Houston is coming off a 119-96 win over the Lakers, a result that helped reset the team after recent road losses. Cleveland has gone 4-6 in its last 10 games, with turnovers and missed rebounds often deciding close moments.If Houston controls the glass and keeps its pace, it has an edge at home. Cleveland needs a clean game and efficient scoring from Mitchell to stay close. A 123-112 Houston win fits how both teams have played recently, with the total leaning toward the over.