Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Cleveland Cavaliers may have struggled to close the season, but they still have two chances at a playoff spot
• Finishing 7th in the East, the Brooklyn Nets secured home court advantage for the Play-In
• The Nets won the season series against the Cavaliers, 3-1

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Odds

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Predictions and Pick

The Cleveland Cavaliers and their physical defence will look to stop the offensive powerhouses of the Nets. Brooklyn have dominated Cleveland through the season, and their veteran experience should help them to a Play-In victory.

Pick:

Brooklyn Nets def. Cleveland Cavaliers

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Head-to-Head: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets

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Injury Report

How Can the Cavaliers beat the Nets?

Despite a strong start to the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered injuries and inexperience, which led to them tumbling down from the 6th seed to the 7th seed. While one spot seems insignificant, the young Cavaliers now face stiff competition to earn a place in the NBA Playoffs.

After losing Jarrett Allen to injury, the Cavaliers’ defence and rebounding has suffered. To beat the Nets, the Cavaliers will need to improve on their defence – starting with the perimeter. The Brooklyn Nets are ranked 10th in the league in assists per game (25.3), while owning the 4th best field goal efficiency (47.5%).

With the threat of their shot-blockers, the Cavaliers have been able to be super-aggressive on perimeter defence. Without Allen manning the paint, they’ve struggled to maintain their defensive standards. If Cleveland can defend the rim at a decent rate, they’ll have a good shot at victory against the Nets.

Cavaliers Key Player: (G) Darius Garland

This is special stuff from Darius Garland.

CLE/BKN battle for #7 seed on League Passhttps://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/dEuvjhXbwm

— NBA (@NBA) April 9, 2022

When the Cavaliers take on the Nets, all eyes will be on Darius Garland during his first post-season experience. The dynamic scoring guard has all the skills to be an NBA star, but his first taste of NBA post-season play will show how prepared he is.

After losing lead guard Collin Sexton to injury early in the season, followed by All-Star center Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland stepped up to lead the Cavaliers this season. Named an All-Star in just his third year, Garland posted averages of 21.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 68 games played.

The Cavaliers didn’t close the season strong, but with two opportunities to make the NBA Playoffs the Cavaliers need Garland to take another step. Scoring and playmaking will be crucial, but guarding the Nets at the point of attack will show just how multi-talented Garland is.

How Can the Nets beat the Cavaliers?

Despite all of the drama surrounding the Brooklyn Nets this season, they managed to earn the 7th seed in the East. Despite only qualifying for the Play-In, elimination-type games are what the Nets roster was built for.

When people talk about the Brooklyn Nets, it’s all about offense. It’s a fair point, but if they want to win the game they need to battle in the paint. In victories, the Nets win the rebounding battle by a margin of 3.2, while losing the rebounding battle by 3.0 in losses.

Scoring will come for the Nets, especially with Irving and Durant leading the way. But if the Nets can’t come together, do the dirty work, and compete inside, an up-and-down affair is the last thing they need.

Nets Key Player: (F) Kevin Durant

6. Kevin Durant calling Fournier too small pic.twitter.com/99Dc185Y4U

— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) April 11, 2022

The Brooklyn Nets may not have finished the season in their expected position, the playoff, in this case Play-In, season is where their roster is meant to shine. Kevin Durant leads a veteran team prepared to go all-in for an NBA Championship.

Through the highs and the lows of the Brooklyn Nets’ season, Kevin Durant has been the mainstay for the Nets. After a devastating injury two seasons ago, Durant has returned to his All-NBA form with averages of 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 55 games.

With the departure of Harden and the absence of Ben Simmons, Durant has taken on a playmaking role on top of his position as first scoring option. A plus-50% shooter in wins, Durant needs to make careful decisions between scoring and passing in this crucial playoff qualification game.

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