Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers predicted starting lineups and depth charts for Nov. 9 | 2024-25 NBA season
The Brooklyn Nets, less than 24 hours after losing in overtime 108-104 to the Boston Celtics, face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. Brooklyn, which nearly pulled off the biggest upset early in the season, hopes to do better against the Cavs, who will also be playing on short rest. Cleveland is coming off a 136-117 beatdown of Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
For the Nets to have a chance of upsetting the Cavs, they would need the same efficient shooting from Cam Thomas. The point guard dropped 31 points on the Celtics on 11 for 22 shooting, including 4 for 9 from deep. Dennis Schroder, Cam Johnson and the rest must also step up.
The Cavaliers are the only unbeaten team in the NBA, roughly three weeks into the season. They look to add the visiting Nets to their list of victims.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets injury report
Ben Simmons, who came off the bench for the first time this season against the Celtics, will be held out versus Cleveland. Bojan Bogdanovic (foot), Trendon Watford (hamstring) and Day’Ron Sharpe (hamstring) will be unavailable.
Cleveland Cavaliers injury report
Max Strus (hip) and Emoni Bates (surgery recovery) are ruled out.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Starting lineups and depth charts
Brooklyn Nets starting lineup and depth chart
Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup and depth chart
Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Key matchups
Darius Garland vs. Dennis Schroder
The Nets’ first order of business will be to limit Darius Garland’s impact on the game against them. Golden State couldn’t contain him on Friday, and Garland led the Cavaliers to a 41-point lead against the Dubs after just two quarters. When the Warriors tried to turn the game around in the final quarter, Garland quashed rallies.
Schroder, who isn’t known for playing elite defense, has his work cut out. Cam Thomas could also get a shot at Garland, but Brooklyn’s shooting guard also has the unenviable task of shadowing Donovan Mitchell.
Evan Mobley vs. Dorian Finney-Smith
Evan Mobley almost had an underrated role on Friday versus the Warriors. The lanky forward quietly finished with 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Mobley’s interior defense caused the Dubs trouble.
Against the Nets, keeping an eye on Mobley will be Dorian Finney-Smith or Cam Johnson, two undersized power forwards. Nic Claxton could shift to Mobley, but Brooklyn’s starting center will be occupied with Jarrett Allen.
Mobley’s two-way impact is another problem the Nets must solve to have a chance of handing the Cavaliers their first loss of the season.