Cleveland Cavaliers at Brooklyn Nets Betting Preview/Prop Picks

The Cleveland Cavaliers and their elite defense face off against one of the best duos in the NBA. Considering neither team has begun to rest players, the Cavaliers will have to deal with Kevin Durant. Both the Cavaliers and Nets are locked into the “play-in” tournament. The schedule has yet to be decided so there’s a chance that these two could play again during the tournament.

The Brooklyn Nets are coming off of a big win over the New York Knicks. They won the game 110-98 and Kevin Durant put up 32 points. With Durant and Irving on the court, the Cavaliers defense will have their hands full. Brooklyn can try to change their spot in the play-in tournament, but it won’t matter much. At this point, there isn’t a way for them to avoid it.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Can Defense Outweigh a Strong Offense?

The Cavaliers' defense has been ranked among the best in the NBA for the entire season. However, recent games have made it seem as if their defense is rather lackluster. They’ve lost two straight games, to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic. If they perform the same way tonight, the Cavaliers are guaranteed to lose. Especially against the Brooklyn Nets offense.

One of the main problems with the Cavaliers is their lack of offense. On average, the Cavaliers score 107.49 points per game, ranking 25th in the NBA. Compared to the Nets' offense, the Cavaliers are in for a rough night. In order to win this game, Cleveland needs to play to their strengths. More importantly, they need to find a way to stop Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. 

Brooklyn Nets: Seth Curry Likely to Play in Tonight’s Game

Injuries have been a problem for the Nets this season. Still, with Kyrie Irving cleared to play in home games, the Nets are at an advantage. They come in as heavy favorites in this game at -7. At home this season, the Nets are 8-30-1 against the spread. With one of the worst records at home in the NBA, it’s hard to trust them. Especially with their history against the Cavaliers.

The Nets are 0-2-1 against the spread in their last three games against the Cavaliers. Over the course of their last six games, they’ve gone 1-5 against the spread. But even with these poor outings at the sportsbook, the Nets are the right pick in this game. With an offense that averages 112.58 points per game,  Brooklyn just has too much offensive firepowerktonight.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Brooklyn Nets Betting Pick

Take Brooklyn to cover the 7 against the Cavaliers. Also, with Cleveland's offense ranked just No. 25 in the league in scoring, go with the UNDER on the game total.  

DUNKELINDEX Free Pick: Brooklyn Nets -7, UNDER

Prop Picks

Cleveland (-110) UNDER 111.5 Points

Cleveland is averaging 107.5 points per game on offense, which ranks No. 25 in the league. Scores have gone UNDER in four of the Nets’ last five home games.

With Dunkel predicting a Brooklyn victory by the score of 118-107, take the Cavaliers (-110) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 111.5 points against the Nets.

Isaac Okoro (+100) UNDER 7.5 Points

Okoro is averaging 8.9 points per game, which ranks No. 10 on the Cavaliers. That average decreases to 7.9 points per game in Cleveland losses.

With Dunkel predicting a Cavaliers loss, take Okoro (+100) to finish UNDER 7.5 points against the Nets.

See all of today's NBA picks.