What’s up with the Brooklyn Nets?
It’s safe to say that the Brooklyn Nets are in a good position in the standings right now. They’re currently in fourth place in the East, only two games behind the first-place Boston Celtics.
Their weak start to this season’s campaign is all in the past now, having won 11 of the last 12 games played. Aside from that, they have again earned the privilege to be called one of the favorites to go very far this season.
We owe much of the Nets’ awakening to the superb performances of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, who are going into the contest averaging 30.1 and 26.1 points per game respectively. In addition to their hot shooting, you can also expect them to excel on the other end as they only allow 111.5 points per match.
What’s up with the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are ahead of the Nets right now, placing third in the East mountain. Compared to their upcoming opponents, they’ve been more consistent during the early season and successful so far in maintaining a good record at home. If they are able to stump the Nets in the clash, it’s possible that this Cavs team can finish the day on top of its conference.
Cleveland’s offense has been impressive so far, thanks to the leadership of Donovan Mitchell. He continues to show the way for the promise land as he is scoring 28.9 points per game on 49.7% shooting from the field.
However, the main reason for the Cavs’ success isn’t really their offense, but their majestic defense on the floor. Cleveland has been effective with their D, averaging about 104.5 points allowed per game, the best figure in the whole NBA.
Prediction
The Nets have definitely found their offensive rhythm these past weeks, but now they would have to face the best defense in the league. We’re expecting that KD and Kyrie are going to find the rim in this duel, but the Cavs are going to make it hard for them to put shots up.
On the other hand, the Cavs aren’t really the most productive in terms of points but if the Nets are going to lock up Mitchell, he can always rely on Jarrett Allen or Darius Garland to keep the team afloat.
With this matchup, I would like to go with the Cavs. They’ve been almost unbeatable at home and no matter who they’re facing, it seems that they always control the pace of the game because of their defensive efforts.
