Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
January 19, 2016
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 20, 7:30 PM
Venue: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, New York)
Head to head record
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets 90-88 (2015/2016 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets 75-76 (2015 Las Vegas Summer League)
Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers 106-98 (2014/2015 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets 117-92 (2014/2015 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets 95-91 (2014/2015 NBA)
Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction
Following a heartbreaking 132-98 defeat to reigning champions Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers take on Brooklyn Nets, who head into Wednesday’s game following three consecutive defeats to the likes of Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers.
Season to forget
Seeing that Brooklyn Nets bosses had sold their key players in the summer, it is not such a big surprise that the team have been struggling in the 2015/2016 NBA campaign. Tony Brown’s men have recorded no more than 11 wins from possible 42 this term and their recent form is anything but promising. Following back to back defeats to the likes of Portland Trail Blazers and Atlanta Hawks, Nets suffered a 112-100 loss to Toronto Raptors on Monday night that acted as another blow to the players’ confidence. Brook Lopez scored 29 points in the defeat to Toronto, adding 10 rebounds and, no doubt, he is the team’s key player at the moment. Brooklyn, who are unlikely to make it to the play-offs, have little to play for in the remainder of the season, but their pride will certainly be at stake. It has to be noted that Tony Brown’s team are eyeing their eighth home win of the season.
Andrea Bargnani misses the match with an ankle injury, but interim coach Tony Brown has no fresh injury worries ahead of the visit of Cleveland Cavaliers. Guard-forward Sergey Karasev did not play against Toronto (coach decision), but he could return against Cavs.
Cavs aim to recover from the heavy loss
Cleveland Cavaliers were totally outplayed by defending champions Golden State Warriors on Monday evening (98-132) and it has to be noted that they had no fewer than 15 turnovers during the match. Warriors humiliated Cavs at Quicken Loans Arena and that was heaviest home defeat of LeBron James’ career. LeBron failed to impress against Golden State, but I am positive that he will leave his heart on the court in Wednesday’s game against Brooklyn Nets in order to help his team return to winning ways. J.R. Smith was ejected for flagrant foul against Warriors and a pending suspension could be a big blow for David Blatt’s charges. Cavaliers currently sit in top position in the Eastern Conference and you should bear in mind that they are after their 14th away win of the season. In their previous game on the road, Cavs recorded a 91-77 win over Houston Rockets.
Mo Williams missed the Warriors game due to a personal matter, but he is likely to play some part against the Nets. Coach David Blatt has no other injury concerns ahead of the trip to New York, but J.R. Smith is likely to serve his ban against Brooklyn.
Interesting Facts
- Brooklyn recorded only one win in previous twelve home games
- Nets conceded 103+ points in each of their previous six matches
- Cleveland are averaging 101.3 points this season
- Lebron James scored 26 points in a 90-88 win over Nets earlier this season
- Cavs recorded six wins in previous eight away games
Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting pick
Cleveland Cavaliers are desperate to bounce back from the embarrassing defeat to Golden State and I am positive that the last season’s finalists will give their best to return to winning ways when they take on Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. LeBron James was well guarded against Warriors, but I do not believe that Nets are capable of stopping the King James. The hosts are having a season to forget and, taking everything into account, David Blatt’s men are likely to record a routine win over Brooklyn.
Tip: Cleveland -12
Odds: -110
