Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 16, 2024
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to continue their strong start to the season when they take on the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on Monday. The Cavs have set the pace in the Eastern Conference, winning 22 of their 26 game so far. Meanwhile, a young and injury-ravaged Nets team has struggled to find wins over the last two weeks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers (22-4) sit atop the Eastern Conference standings with a one-game lead over the Boston Celtics. Cleveland has won five of their last six games, which included a statement win over the Boston Celtics.
Coach Kenny Atkinson has done a fantastic job since taking over the Cavs this season. The former Golden State Warriors assistant led his team to an incredible 15-game win streak to start the season, the longest in the franchise's history. He has also brought out the best from five-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell.
The Brooklyn Nets (10-15) currently sit 10th in the East, and have managed just one win from their last six games. They will be looking to break a two-game losing streak at home on Monday night.
Head coach Jordi Fernández did a good job in building team chemistry early in the season, and the Nets started the campaign with a 4-4 record. Unfortunately, a series of injuries have hampered their progress. The recent trade of guard Dennis Schroder to the Warriors has also left a void in the backcourt that will be difficult to fill.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets preview, betting tips, odds, and prediction
The Brooklyn Nets will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Monday, Dec. 16, with the game set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. EST.
The game will be available to watch locally on YES and FDSOH. Fans can also stream the game on NBA League Pass and fuboTV.
Moneyline: Cavaliers (-500), Nets (+360)
Spread: Cavaliers -9.5 (-115), Nets +9.5 (-105)
Total (Over/Under): Over 219.5 (-105), Under 219.5 (-115)
Note: All odds are subject to change closer to tip off. The listed odds are based on information available at the time of writing.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers come into the game off a 115-105 home win against the Washington Wizards on Friday. The Cavs have won seven of their last ten games and have a 8-3 record in away games this season.
A dynamic offense has been the key behind the Cavs' early success. Kenny Atkinson's team ranks first in the East with a remarkable 121.2 points per game. Currently, six different players on the roster are averaging double-digits in points, with Donovan Mitchell leading the way with 23.6ppg.
Cleveland will be without forward Jaylon Tyson and guard Max Strus going into Monday's matchup. Both players are listed on the injury report and will not feature.
The Brooklyn Nets will be eager to break their two-game losing streak after dropping games to the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies. They have won just four of their last 10 games and have a 5-6 record at home in the Barclays Center.
Brooklyn has struggled on the offensive front with the team averaging just 110.4 points per contest. Dennis Schroder, who was the team's third highest scorer with 18.4ppg, was traded to the Warriors this week, leaving a hole in the offense. Cam Thomas, the team's leading scorer, is also set to miss Monday's game due to a left hamstring strain.
Injuries have been a major issue for the Nets. Along with Thomas, forwards Bojan Bogdanovic and Ziaire Williams, and guard Reese Beekman will all be sidelined for the game.
These two teams have already played once this season, with the Nets edging the encounter 105-100 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets betting tips
Darius Garland will be the player to keep an eye on for the Cavs. The point guard is coming off a stellar performance against the Wizards where he finished with 24 points, eights assists and five rebounds. Garland's over/under is set for 19.5 points. Considering he is averaging 20.6 ppg this season, he should be able to go over that total.
Cameron Johnson has been a bright spot for the Nets offense this season. The 28-year-old forward has seen more playing time this year and and proved that he can handle the added responsibility. Johnson is averaging 18.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 2.9 apg. The assists line is set at 2.5 for Johnson which seems low. Take the over on assists considering Johnson is expected to see a lot of playing time.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets prediction
The Cavs come into the game as clear favourites with the line set at 9.5. That is a lot of points to give up for a home team. However, the Cavaliers offense is one of the hottest in the league at the moment, and given the injury struggles the Nets are facing, Cleveland should be able to win this game by more than 9.5 points.