NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Predicted Lineup, Prediction, & Match Preview
On Tuesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets will face off in the first game of the Eastern Conference play-in round. During the regular season, the two clubs met four times, with the Nets winning three of those games. The Cavaliers are coming off a thrilling 133-115 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks in this key showdown. Kevin Love, who scored 32 points, led the pace from the start. On the night, he also grabbed 10 rebounds and made eight three-pointers to lead the Cavs to an easy victory over the defending champions.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets extended their late-season dominance with a 134-126 victory over the Indiana Pacers. For the Nets, Kyrie Irving had 35 points, while Kevin Durant had a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 16 assists. In addition, Bruce Brown and Andre Drummond combined for 41 points to help the Nets secure a win and clinch a seventh-place finish.
Cleveland Cavaliers Preview
In the 2021-22 season, the Cavaliers were one of the most surprising teams. Despite missing out on Collin Sexton due to injury, they remained competitive and were in the top half of the Eastern Conference for the majority of the season. However, injuries have hampered their progress, and the Cavs have struggled since the All-Star break.
Jarrett Allen, the team’s center, will be unavailable for the play-in game. The 23-year-old was a key member of the team and was having one of his best seasons. Allen, on the other hand, was forced to miss time due to an injury to his left finger. The team hoped to get him back in time for the playoffs, but current reports indicate that he has not yet recovered to the point where he can play.
The team will have to rely on youngster Evan Mobley to fill in for him while he is out. He’s performed admirably at the position, but it’ll be interesting to see how he reacts or performs in the play-ins. The Cavs have a poor record against the Nets, but if Darius Garland motivates his teammates and puts on a show, the Cavs will give the Nets a terrible time in this game.
Cleveland Cavaliers Predicted Lineup
G – Darius Garland, G – Isaac Okoro, F – Caris LeVert, F – Lauri Markkanen, C – Evan Mobley
Brooklyn Nets Preview
The Brooklyn Nets had championship expectations heading into the 2021-22 season, but controversies and setbacks kept them from reaching their full potential throughout the year. They finished the regular season with four straight victories and were awarded the seventh seed. The superstar pair of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant will be the focus of attention in this game, as the two are capable of winning games for the Nets on their own. Their offensive unit is unquestionably lethal, but if they don’t put up a solid defensive effort, the Nets may not be able to live up to their expectations.
Their defense is inconsistent, but they improved in the playoffs last season, and if they can do it again, the Nets will be a difficult team to beat. Many people think the Nets have a better chance of winning this play-in game, but they can’t bank on it because their opponents are the Cavs, who are never predictable.
Brooklyn Nets Predicted Lineup
G – Kyrie Irving, G – Seth Curry, F – Kevin Durant, F – Bruce Brown, C – Andre Drummond
Match Prediction: CavsCleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets
The first game of the 2021-22 Play in the tournament will be between the Cavaliers and the Nets. Many people are excited for this game because both of these teams had previously led the East, but injuries and misfortunes have knocked them down the standings. Because of their great form shortly before the playoffs, the Nets will be considered favorites going into this game. The Nets will almost definitely win easily at home if they can repeat their performances from those games.