The Brooklyn Nets have a chance to rebound from a disappointing 117-99 loss to Golden State on Tuesday with a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Brooklyn sits at 10-5 on the season and are third in the Eastern Conference, while Cleveland is 9-6 and in fifth place.
The Nets will be without Joe Harris for the second straight game due to an ankle sprain, but the Cavaliers have been rocked much worse by injuries. Cleveland suffered a tough blow on Monday after rookie Evan Mobley went down with an elbow injury that will sideline him for 2-4 weeks.
As for the performance side of things, Kevin Durant is coming off a 9-of-17 shooting performance for a season-low of 19 points against his former team. It’s clear that the Nets need to make moves to assist KD, but the good news is they shouldn’t run into any major issues against the Cavaliers.
Cleveland’s been hanging tough this year and actually have more quality wins than the Nets, but without Mobley, Collin Sexton, Jarrett Allen and Lauri Markkanen out (that’s four starters), the Nets have no excuse not to come out on top.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cavaliers betting odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBet, the Brooklyn Nets are the 9.5-point favorites at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nets are -470 on the moneyline and the Cavaliers are +370. The over/under for the game is set at 208.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cavaliers prediction
After Brooklyn put on an embarrassing display of basketball on Tuesday, we believe the Nets will waltz to a win. Durant was locked down by Golden State, but Cleveland doesn’t possess that same level of high-caliber defense. With the talking points that are flying today about Brooklyn’s weaknesses and KD’s underwhelming performance, the team’s leader may be using it all as fuel.
It’s going to be tough for Cleveland to march into an away arena and knock off the Nets with a battered roster. Ricky Rubio scored 28 points on Monday and shot 4-of-8 from the 3-point line, so he’s going to be Brooklyn’s main point of emphasis on defense. It’ll be a good test for the perimeter after that poor showing against Curry and the Warriors.
We’re taking the Nets -9.5 and over 208 points.
Brooklyn 115, Cleveland 95.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cavaliers TV channel
The Nets-Cavaliers game won’t be broadcast on national television, but will be available on the local YES Network and NBA League Pass.
Brooklyn Nets schedule and upcoming games
Brooklyn will host another Eastern Conference opponent before going on a two-game road trip, and then will head back to Barclays Center for a four-game homestand.
Nov. 19 vs. Orlando
Nov. 22 at Cleveland
Nov. 24 at Boston
Nov. 27 vs. Phoenix
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