NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the struggling Brooklyn Nets, who have had problems finding the proper form lately. That’s why the pressure on them grows, with the competitors who are chasing them and their sixth spot significantly reducing Boorklyn’s advantage. The Cavs have been in much better shape, so it is no wonder they sit fourth in the East and look like a team that could create a lot of noise in the playoffs. Just a few believed Cleveland might click this well, and post such good results. By the way, this is the second of back-to-back contests between these two franchises.  

Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers (-220) recorded only one defeat over the previous five events, showing very good form and confidence when needed. Donovan Mitchell and the crew was victorious on the road against Charlotte two nights in a row, then lost at home to the 76es before beating the Wizards in Ohio and Brooklyn on the road. 

The Cavs’ events have been very efficient in recent times, and only one of the previous six ended with under points. Cleveland’s offense has been very reliable, and that’s because of Mitchell, who is right now the seventh scorer in the NBA with 27.4 points. 

He had 31 against the Nets, while five more players added double-digit points. Jarrett Allen had a double-double with 12 points and 14 boards. 

Brooklyn Nets (+165) dropped the past four events, and we can say that their form slumped in the worst possible moment. The sixth place is on the line for the Nets, and we all know what that means. 

What worsened the situation are three straight defeats at home against the Kings, the Nuggets, and the Cavaliers. All of them were tight, with the Nets losing due to some small details.

Dayron Sharpe was the top scorer against the Cavs with 20 buckets in 20 minutes off the bench, having 11 boards as well. Spencer Dinwiddie also had a double-double with 19 points and 11 assists, while Mikal Bridges ended the night with 18, and all of his eight three-point shots missed. The Nets made just nine downtown shots in 33 attempts. 

Head to Head Games

This will be the third meeting between the Cavs and the Nets this year. The first was in late December, when Cavs hosted the team from Brooklyn at home and lost 125-117. However, after that, we saw many changes in the Nets’ roster. The team from Brooklyn is considerably weaker now than back then, so the Cavs utilized that to level the score in the series, winning 115-109 two nights ago. 

Prediction

Four losses in a row indicate that Brooklyn has plenty of trouble. They are losing grip in this crucial moment of the year, and it seems the pressure is overwhelming the franchise from Barclays Center. On the other side, the Cavs are on the uphill, pushing well, finding ways to win and keep their positive streak. This team really has good chemistry and a ceiling way higher than it is now, and we expect them to triumph in Brooklyn again.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers -220