Cavaliers vs Nets Prediction & Odds: Brooklyn The Big Favorite At Home

The Brooklyn Nets (42-38 SU, 31-46-3 ATS) are big favorites Friday as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers (43-37, 42-35-3) at Barclays Center. The Nets are 3-2 over their last five games while the Cavs are 1-4 over their last five. Can Brooklyn snatch the seventh seed in the East away from Cleveland ahead of the play-in tournament? Find out in our Cavaliers vs Nets prediction.

Cavaliers vs Nets Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

The Nets opened as a big 9-point home favorite with the total set at 228.5 points. The OVER is 9-4 in Cleveland’s last 13 games while the UNDER is 6-1 in Brooklyn’s last seven outings. Although Cleveland sits a game ahead of Brooklyn, the visitors have a couple of injuries to key starters, giving the advantage to the hosts for your Cavaliers vs Nets prediction.

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Cavaliers Fall In Disappointing Loss To Magic

The Cavaliers fell 120-115 to Orlando on Tuesday as the Magic snapped a six-game losing skid with the victory. Mo Bamba had a double-double with 21 points and 12 boards to lead Orlando while seven others scored in double digits for the normally offensively challenged Magic. Darius Garland had a double-double of his own with 27 points and 10 assists to lead Cleveland.

The loss locked Cleveland into the play-in tournament as they can no longer catch the sixth-place Chicago Bulls. It was another disappointing game for the Cavs, who fell to 2-7 over their last nine contests – a run in which they’ve given up 114.6 points per game, nearly 10 points above their season average.

Evan Mobley (ankle) is questionable while Jarrett Allen (finger) remains out indefinitely.

Nets Sweep Knicks In Battle Of New York

The Nets picked up their second straight win on Wednesday as they beat the New York Knicks 110-98 to sweep the season series in the Battle of New York. Kevin Durant posted 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for a triple-double while Kyrie Irving scored 24.

Friday’s matchup could serve as a preview for the play-in tournament as Brooklyn (eighth) and Cleveland (seventh) could face off in a one-game showdown for the No. 7 seed. The Nets haven’t been world-beaters of late but they will like their chances against a Cavaliers team that has struggled mightily down the stretch.

Goran Dragic (health and safety protocols) remains out while Seth Curry (ankle) is probable for Friday’s game.

Cavaliers vs Nets Pick & Insights

Cavaliers: Keys To Cover

Cleveland has been a stout defensive team all season long, ranking fourth in the NBA at just 105.4 points against per game. Their defense has betrayed them of late, though, which has contributed to their fall. The Cavs were as high as third in the Eastern Conference only two months ago, and if they want to get into the playoffs, they’ll need to rediscover their defensive game.

Nets: Keys To Cover

When both Durant and Irving are on, the Nets can hang with any team in the East. The duo combined for 56 points in their last outing and 60 points in the game prior to that. Coming up against a struggling Cavs squad, the Nets should be able to feast offensively.

Odds Shark’s Computer Cavaliers vs Nets Prediction: Cavaliers +7

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