Cavs vs. Nets: Preview, odds, injury report, TV
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The last time these two teams met, they were in foreign waters as part of the NBA Global Games. Now, back in the States, the Cavs are on a seven-game winning streak and are looking to improve their road record as they travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets on Thursday.
In their last 16 games, the Cavs have only lost one, the best record in the NBA over that stretch. Their Wednesday contest against the Wizards didn’t go as smoothly as they hoped against a nine-win team at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but the Cavs still pulled out the win, which seems to be the mantra for this team.
The tight contest with the Wizards could make the Cavs wearier of the Nets, even though they are on a two-game losing streak.
Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas both have the ability to go off for big scoring nights for Brooklyn.
But the Cavs are ranked second in the NBA in defensive rating this season and will look to focus on the Nets’ two scoring threats to diminish their chances.
As seen against the Wizards, Kyle Kuzma got going offensively, scoring 28 points, but Washington’s other key contributor, Jordan Poole, had zero points in 25 minutes.
The Cavs look to suffocate the Nets and continue to showcase their growing offense to continue their winning streak.
21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (33-16) vs. Brooklyn Nets (20-30).
Series: Third meeting this season.
Where: Barclays Center.
When: 7:30 p.m. EDT.
The point spread: Cavs minus-5.5; O/U 222.5
TV: Bally Sports Ohio
Injury report
Cavs: Ty Jerome (right ankle surgery), OUT; Tristan Thompson (suspension), OUT.
Nets: Lonnie Walker IV (hamstring), OUT; Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), OUT; Cameron Johnson (adductor), OUT; Day’Ron Sharpe (knee), OUT; Dariq Whitehead (shin), OUT.
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