Brooklyn tries to hold on to old baggage
Not long ago, the Nets had one of the most star-studded lineups, but things changed dramatically after a few trades, Durant went to Phoenix and Irving Dallas. On the other hand, the salary card has discharged significantly, you can build a new team, because a large number of stars did not help. Now the club is still sixth in the conference thanks to the previous squad, seventh-placed Miami has the same number of wins, but the player has played two more games. It’s important to stay in the top six to avoid extra games. The Nets are not in the best form as they are on a three-game losing streak. In the last game they lost at home to Denver – 102:108, the injury will not allow Simmons to play in this match.
Cleveland firmly entrenched in the top 6
Cleveland is doing great, the team is fourth in the East, a team at the beginning of the season did not dream of such a result. It is worth noting that the difference to seventh place is six wins, so the club will definitely stay in the top six. In the last meeting, the Cavaliers defeated the Washington Wizards on their floor – 117:94, this victory was the third of four meetings. Due to the damage, Allen risks missing this meeting.
Match prediction
The bookmakers give the visitors a minimal advantage in this meeting, generally Cleveland is spending this season better than the opponent. Brooklyn is playing at home and will be more motivated than the Cavaliers, who are unlikely to suffer a tournament loss. We expect a close match, we will bet on the success of the Nets with a handicap of +5.5 points.