With a record of 44-10, the Cleveland Cavaliers possess the highest standing in the NBA, leading the 20-34 Brooklyn Nets by 24 games.
Notwithstanding the significant disparity in victories, the Cavs and Nets return from the All-Star break as two of the most formidable teams in the league. Cleveland is now on a four-game winning streak, while the Nets have triumphed in six of their previous seven games, largely due to robust defensive performance.
My predictions for the Cavaliers versus Nets anticipate a low-scoring contest at Barclays Center. Consult my NBA selections to understand my endorsement of the Under for tonight’s point total.
Prediction for Cavaliers versus Nets
My optimal wager: Under 225.5 (-110 at Bet365)
My assessment
The Brooklyn Nets have achieved three consecutive victories and six wins in their last seven games, supported by the highest defensive rating in the league. In the past seven games, Brooklyn’s defensive rating of 103.4 is the highest in the league, representing a significant enhancement from the team’s season ranking of 22nd with a rating of 114.6.
Notwithstanding significant enhancements in defensive performance, Brooklyn’s attack has continued to be stagnant. This season, the Nets are ranked 27th in offensive rating, with a score of 108.6. In the past seven years, the team’s offensive rating has increased slightly to 109.8, ranking 25th.
During that identical seven-game period, the Cleveland Cavaliers are positioned fourth in defensive rating at 109.4 and second in offensive rating at 125.5.
Cleveland has a record of 36-18 for the Over this season, whilst Brooklyn has a record of 23-31 for the Under. The Nets have achieved the Under in 17 of their last 18 home games. The Nets have a record of 9-17 for the Under at home, 19-27 for the Under as underdogs, and 6-13 for the Under as home underdogs.
Cleveland has maintained a Top-10 offensive and defense throughout the season; but, Brooklyn’s recent defensive improvement is likely to result in a reduced final score. The Nets’ undermanned squad cannot compete in a shootout against the league’s premier offensive team; their only chance to remain competitive lies in disrupting the flow of the game and decelerating the pace.
Cameron Johnson is averaging a career-high 19.1 points per game this season. Cam Thomas is the sole player to have averaged more points for the Nets; however, he will be unavailable again tonight. Johnson has achieved 15 or more points in 27 out of 39 games this season, comprising 13 of 18 at home.
Jarrett Allen has secured a minimum of 10 rebounds in 36 of 54 games and has achieved at least 10 points in 41 instances. Cleveland’s center is averaging 13.6 points and 10.3 rebounds, having recorded 30 double-doubles this season. He participated in limited minutes during both encounters with the Nets this season; yet, he achieved a double-double in seven of eight meetings versus Brooklyn prior to that.
