Nets vs. Cavaliers: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, best bet
The Brooklyn Nets (39-33, sixth in the Eastern Conference) host the Cleveland Cavaliers (46-28, fourth in the Eastern Conference) at Barclays Center on Thursday for the third and final matchup between the teams this season. The regular-season series is currently tied at 1-1.
We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds, and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM Sportsbook!
In the first game, a Nets 125-117 win on Dec. 26, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving scored 32 points each to lead Brooklyn in scoring. The win gave the Nets their ninth-straight victory, which was the longest winning streak since the team moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn. Cavaliers guard Darius Garland scored 46 points to lead Cleveland in scoring.
In the second game, a Cavaliers 115-109 win on Mar. 21, Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points to lead Cleveland in scoring. The third quarter is where this game got out of hand as the Cavaliers went ahead 84-60 with 6:16 left in the third quarter as Brooklyn couldn’t find a way to score on a consistent basis to keep up. The Nets made a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, but the deficit was too much to overcome. Day’Ron Sharpe had a wonderful game of 20 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Thursday will be a rematch that has more implications for the Nets than it does for the Cavaliers. Cleveland is four games back of the third-place Philadelphia 76ers and four games ahead of the fifth-place New York Knicks so their playoff spot is set for all intents and purposes. Brooklyn, however, is two games back of the Knicks, but are tied with the Miami Heat in terms of games behind first-place. With the matchup against the Heat on Saturday, it’s vital to their playoff chances that Brooklyn beats the Cavaliers on Thursday.
This game can be seen locally on the YES Network (Nets) and Bally Sports Ohio (Cavaliers).
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
Point spread: Cavaliers (-3.5)
Money-line: Cavaliers (-175)/ Nets (+145)
Over/Under: 218.5
Nets vs. Cavaliers notable injuries
Nets: OUT: Ben Simmons (left knee/back soreness).
Cavaliers: None.
Advice and prediction
Tuesday’s matchup between these two teams showed that Brooklyn can compete with Cleveland, but that the Cavaliers are a better team than the Nets right now. In terms of offensive rating and defensive rating, Brooklyn hasn’t been very good on either end while Cleveland is in the top 10 in both categories. It’s clear that the Nets can rise to the occasion against any opponent, but they have to start shooting the ball better when they get open looks and that hasn’t been happening lately.
Prediction: Cavaliers 115, Nets 110.
