Nets vs Cavaliers Odds, Spread and Picks

• The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Brooklyn Nets at 3 pm ET on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• The Cavaliers are favored in this matchup, and are looking for their fifth straight win
• Continue reading for odds, analysis and a pick for this game
  

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The Brooklyn Nets (27-15) travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers (26-18) as part of the NBA’s MLK Day lineup. The Nets will be looking for a win as they start an extended period of time without the services of superstar forward Kevin Durant, while the Cavaliers will look to add to their current four game winning streak.

The Cavaliers are currently favored by 2.5 points at most sportsbooks.

Nets vs Cavaliers Odds

Odds as of January 17 via DraftKings

Durant Out for Nets

The story of this season has been one of consistent inconsistency for the Nets in terms of who they have available to take the court on any given night. James Harden has missed some time this season, most recently with a knee injury, and the team announced yesterday that all-world forward Kevin Durant will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to an MCL injury.

Needless to say, Durant’s absence is a huge blow to Brooklyn’s short-term winning prospects.

Chicago Fire 🔥 @qatarairways pic.twitter.com/pZlBs9FnJg

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 13, 2022

Kyrie Irving has also had a tumultuous season to this point, as he was not allowed to play for the first two months of the season due to his vaccination status. Brooklyn finally activated Irving as a part time player earlier this month, as he is only allowed to play in away games due to local laws in New York City. Although Kyrie will be playing in this game, it has been hard for the Nets to build consistency and find a rhythm given Irving’s constantly being in and out of the lineup. This might limit the impact that he is able to have on the game.

KAI 3️⃣@KyrieIrving #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/W2l2XfKhkF

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 13, 2022

Brooklyn Has Been Strong as Road Team

The Nets are currently ranked fourth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 111. 7 points per game. However, Brooklyn actually scores better on the road than at home, and by a pretty significant margin. The Nets are averaging 109.1 PPG at the Barclays Center, while they are averaging 114.9 PPG on the road.

The Cavaliers, meanwhile, average 107.5 PPG, a number which improves slightly to 108.1 PPG at home.

Two Opposing Philosophies

The Nets built their team with a focus on dominating the offensive end of the court and outscoring their opponents so badly that defense barely matters, while the Cavs are focused on fielding an elite defensive team that can score enough to keep the game tight.

Cleveland ranks second in the Association in opponent PPG, surrendering an average of 102.4 PPG. At home, they are only allowing an average of 101.9 PPG. Brooklyn, meanwhile, ranks close to the middle of the pack, allowing 109.1 PPG and 108.1 PPG on the road.

James and the giant scoresheet@JHarden13 #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/qWCrMtled1

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 16, 2022

Nets vs Cavaliers Best Bet

In all likelihood, this will be a very close game. The Cavaliers have put up a very respectable season to date, particularly when considering how last season went, the overall youth of the roster and the season-ending injury sustained by Collin Sexton. Darius Garland has improved his game and become a key contributor on a nightly basis, and this will need to continue for the Cavs to have a chance.

Garland is Cleveland’s best playmaker, and he will be relied upon to create opportunities for his teammates. He is also an improving three point shooter, and will need to call his own number while spacing the floor.

Meanwhile, the Nets will be relying on Harden and Irving to carry the day. Harden is averaging 22.7 PPG and 10.0 assists per game. With Durant out for this game barring something unforeseen, Harden will need to shoulder more of the scoring responsibility.

It's just what he does@JHarden13 #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/VLEiF8eLQ0

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 13, 2022

This is likely going to be a very close game, with the Nets being a clearly superior offensive team missing one of their superstars, and the Cavaliers a young but clearly superior defensive team. It is rare to get Brooklyn at plus-money. Give me the star power, the team that plays well on the road, and the plus-money.

• The pick: Brooklyn Nets moneyline +120 (2u)