The Brooklyn Nets are still one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference but as the playoffs begin, they could get bounced if they lose just once.
That’s because the team loaded with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving has to win their play-in game just to move onto the first round. In front of them stands a Cleveland Cavaliers squad who exceeded all expectations this season.
Cavaliers vs. Nets NBA Play-In Tournament Betting Odds
The Cavs have struggled as a dog of late as they are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 13 in that spot. They are also 3-9 ATS in their last 12 overall.
As for the Nets, they are just 11-28 ATS in their last 39 as a favorite. They are also just 6-26-1 ATS in their last 33 at home, so keep that in mind if you’re betting this line.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers were one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season. After being in the Eastern Conference basement for many years, the team has emerged as a contender. A core of young studs all came together – including point guard Darius Garland, Rookie of the Year favorite Evan Mobley and players like Jarrett Allen and Lauri Markkanen to make this team athletic, deep and multifaceted. They even overcame injuries to some studs like Collin Sexton, who had been averaging 16.0 points per game.
The concern is that injuries might be catching up with them. The team that started 35-21 finished the year with just nine wins in their final 26 contests. They have dropped eight of 11 entering the postseason and face a really tall task with going to Brooklyn and knocking off a team with a pair of elite superstars.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets have had their fair share of struggles but it looks like they are in good shape going into Tuesday’s affair. The Cavaliers are without Sexton and they’ll also be without Jarrett Allen, who is the team’s starting center and second-leading scorer.
Brooklyn definitely wasn’t the dominant force many people thought they would be earlier in the year but they appear to be on the right path right now. They have won four straight and are 12-5 in their last 17 contests.
The team has two stars in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but they also have a lot of quality depth. Andre Drummond mops up the boards while him and LaMarcus Aldridge both score in double figures in the front court. The back court has all sorts of shooters like Seth Curry and Patty Mills. And Ben Simmons should be – hopefully – on the cusp of returning soon.
All signs point to a Nets win here. They’re at home, they’re rolling with momentum, the Cavaliers are banged up and they are slumping. Look for the Nets to win and move on.
NBA Play-In Prediction: Who Will Win Cavaliers vs. Nets?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 11 Apr 1:11am | CLE | -8 -110 | O +230.5 -110 |
| Closing 12 Apr 9:03pm | CLE | -9.5 -110 | O +226.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Cavaliers Team Leaders
| Points |
21.66 |
| Assists |
8.57 |
| Rebounds |
10.75 |
| FG% |
68.8 |
| Steals |
1.31 |
| Blocks |
1.67 |
| Points |
29.87 |
| Assists |
6.38 |
| Rebounds |
10.29 |
| FG% |
67.4 |
| Steals |
1.41 |
| Blocks |
1.09 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
| Points |
26.25 |
| Assists |
6.25 |
| Rebounds |
6.25 |
| FG% |
79.2 |
| Steals |
1.75 |
| Blocks |
2.25 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nets Team Leaders
| Points |
21.66 |
| Assists |
8.57 |
| Rebounds |
10.75 |
| FG% |
68.8 |
| Steals |
1.31 |
| Blocks |
1.67 |
| Points |
29.87 |
| Assists |
6.38 |
| Rebounds |
10.29 |
| FG% |
67.4 |
| Steals |
1.41 |
| Blocks |
1.09 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
| Points |
26.25 |
| Assists |
6.25 |
| Rebounds |
6.25 |
| FG% |
79.2 |
| Steals |
1.75 |
| Blocks |
2.25 |
Injuries
RJ Nembhard (PG)
Dean Wade (SF)
Lauri Markkanen (PF)
Rajon Rondo (PG)
Rajon Rondo (PG)
Caris LeVert (SG)
Brandon Goodwin (PG)
Darius Garland (PG)
Jarrett Allen (C)
Lauri Markkanen (PF)
Blake Griffin (PF)
Seth Curry (SG)
Seth Curry (SG)
James Johnson (PF)
Goran Dragic (PG)
Bruce Brown (PG)
Seth Curry (SG)
Seth Curry (SG)
Goran Dragic (PG)
Goran Dragic (PG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RJ Nembhard (PG) | Prob Mon | Illness - 27 / 03 / 22 | 3-6 | 5-4 | + - |
|
Nembhard is managing a non-COVID illness, but he is expected to take the court for Monday's battle with the Magic. |
|||||
| Dean Wade (SF) | out for season | Knee - 13 / 03 / 22 | 5-11 | 12-5 | + - |
|
Wade is sidelined for the remainder of the 2021-22 season after having surgery to repair a right torn meniscus. |
|||||
| Lauri Markkanen (PF) | Prob Mon | Ankle - 12 / 03 / 22 | 6-11 | 13-5 | + - |
|
Markkanen sat out the last game with a sore right ankle, but it is likely that he will suit up Monday versus the Clippers. |
|||||
| Rajon Rondo (PG) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 12 / 03 / 22 | 6-11 | 13-5 | + - |
|
Rondo has been idle due to a right ankle sprain, abut he is expected to face the 76ers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Rajon Rondo (PG) | Prob Tues | Toe - 25 / 02 / 22 | 8-15 | 15-8-1 | + - |
|
Rondo has been out of the lineup with a right big toe sprain, but he is likely to take on the Pacers on Tuesday. |
|||||
| Caris LeVert (SG) | Prob Mon | Foot - 23 / 02 / 22 | 8-16 | 16-8-1 | + - |
|
LeVert has been out of action due to a right foot sprain, but he is expected to return to the court for Monday's clash with the Clippers. |
|||||
| Brandon Goodwin (PG) | Prob Wed | Illness - 09 / 02 / 22 | 11-17 | 17-11-1 | + - |
|
Goodwin is ailing from an illness, but it is anticipated that he will suit up against the Spurs on Wednesday. |
|||||
| Darius Garland (PG) | Prob Wed | Back - 31 / 01 / 22 | 12-20 | 19-13-1 | + - |
|
Garland has sat out the last four contests with lower-back soreness, but it is projected that he will be available for Wednesday's clash versus the Spurs. |
|||||
| Jarrett Allen (C) | Ques Wed | Illness - 24 / 01 / 22 | 13-22 | 19-16-1 | + - |
|
Allen sat out the last contest due to an illness, and it is undecided if he will face the Bucks on Wednesday. |
|||||
| Lauri Markkanen (PF) | Prob Thurs | Ankle - 22 / 01 / 22 | 13-23 | 20-16-1 | + - |
|
Markkanen has been sidelined with a high right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will return for Thursday's matchup versus the Pistons. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blake Griffin (PF) | Prob Sat | Ankle - 22 / 04 / 22 | 0-2 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Griffin is tending to a sprained left ankle, but it is projected that he will face the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Seth Curry (SG) | Prob Tues | Ankle - 10 / 04 / 22 | 2-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Curry is dealing with left ankle soreness, but it is projected that he will be active in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In against the Cavaliers. |
|||||
| Seth Curry (SG) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 07 / 04 / 22 | 3-3 | 2-4 | + - |
|
Curry is tending to a sprained left ankle, but it is projected that he will suit up against the Cavaliers on Friday. |
|||||
| James Johnson (PF) | Ques Fri | Illness - 04 / 04 / 22 | 3-5 | 2-6 | + - |
|
Johnson has missed the last two games due to an non-COVID-19 illness, and it is undetermined if he will take the floor against the Cavaliers on Friday. |
|||||
| Goran Dragic (PG) | Prob Tues | Conditioning - 02 / 04 / 22 | 3-6 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Dragic has cleared the league's health and safety protocol, and it is anticipated that he will line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In versus the Cavaliers. |
|||||
| Bruce Brown (PG) | Prob Tues | Illness - 01 / 04 / 22 | 3-6 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Brown was held out of the last contest due to a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that he will be active for Tuesday's clash with the Rockets. |
|||||
| Seth Curry (SG) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 01 / 04 / 22 | 3-6 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Curry has sat out the last two games with a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will face the Knicks on Wednesday. |
|||||
| Seth Curry (SG) | Ques Sun | Ankle - 27 / 03 / 22 | 4-8 | 3-9 | + - |
|
Curry is hindered by a left ankle sprain, and it is unclear if he will be active against the Hornets on Sunday. |
|||||
| Goran Dragic (PG) | Prob Sun | Knee - 27 / 03 / 22 | 4-8 | 3-9 | + - |
|
Dragic is dealing with a sore left knee, but it is expected that he will battle the Hornets on Sunday. |
|||||
| Goran Dragic (PG) | Prob Sat | Knee - 23 / 03 / 22 | 5-9 | 4-10 | + - |
|
Dragic sat out the last contest with a sore left knee, but it is expected that he will battle the Heat on Saturday. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 11 Apr 1:11am CLE -8 -110 O +230.5 -110 Closing 12 Apr 9:03pm CLE -9.5 -110 O +226.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Cavaliers Team Leaders
Points 21.66
Assists 8.57
Rebounds 10.75
FG% 68.8
Steals 1.31
Blocks 1.67
Points 29.87
Assists 6.38
Rebounds 10.29
FG% 67.4
Steals 1.41
Blocks 1.09
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks Points 26.25
Assists 6.25
Rebounds 6.25
FG% 79.2
Steals 1.75
Blocks 2.25
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nets Team Leaders
Points 21.66
Assists 8.57
Rebounds 10.75
FG% 68.8
Steals 1.31
Blocks 1.67
Points 29.87
Assists 6.38
Rebounds 10.29
FG% 67.4
Steals 1.41
Blocks 1.09
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks Points 26.25
Assists 6.25
Rebounds 6.25
FG% 79.2
Steals 1.75
Blocks 2.25
-
Injuries
RJ Nembhard (PG)
Prob Mon Illness - 27 / 03 / 22Dean Wade (SF)
out for season Knee - 13 / 03 / 22Lauri Markkanen (PF)
Prob Mon Ankle - 12 / 03 / 22Rajon Rondo (PG)
Prob Sun Ankle - 12 / 03 / 22Rajon Rondo (PG)
Prob Tues Toe - 25 / 02 / 22Caris LeVert (SG)
Prob Mon Foot - 23 / 02 / 22Brandon Goodwin (PG)
Prob Wed Illness - 09 / 02 / 22Darius Garland (PG)
Prob Wed Back - 31 / 01 / 22Jarrett Allen (C)
Ques Wed Illness - 24 / 01 / 22Lauri Markkanen (PF)
Prob Thurs Ankle - 22 / 01 / 22Blake Griffin (PF)
Prob Sat Ankle - 22 / 04 / 22Seth Curry (SG)
Prob Tues Ankle - 10 / 04 / 22Seth Curry (SG)
Prob Fri Ankle - 07 / 04 / 22James Johnson (PF)
Ques Fri Illness - 04 / 04 / 22Goran Dragic (PG)
Prob Tues Conditioning - 02 / 04 / 22Bruce Brown (PG)
Prob Tues Illness - 01 / 04 / 22Seth Curry (SG)
Prob Wed Ankle - 01 / 04 / 22Seth Curry (SG)
Ques Sun Ankle - 27 / 03 / 22Goran Dragic (PG)
Prob Sun Knee - 27 / 03 / 22Goran Dragic (PG)
Prob Sat Knee - 23 / 03 / 22Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes RJ Nembhard (PG) Prob Mon Illness - 27 / 03 / 22 3-6 5-4 + - Nembhard is managing a non-COVID illness, but he is expected to take the court for Monday's battle with the Magic.
Dean Wade (SF) out for season Knee - 13 / 03 / 22 5-11 12-5 + - Wade is sidelined for the remainder of the 2021-22 season after having surgery to repair a right torn meniscus.
Lauri Markkanen (PF) Prob Mon Ankle - 12 / 03 / 22 6-11 13-5 + - Markkanen sat out the last game with a sore right ankle, but it is likely that he will suit up Monday versus the Clippers.
Rajon Rondo (PG) Prob Sun Ankle - 12 / 03 / 22 6-11 13-5 + - Rondo has been idle due to a right ankle sprain, abut he is expected to face the 76ers on Sunday.
Rajon Rondo (PG) Prob Tues Toe - 25 / 02 / 22 8-15 15-8-1 + - Rondo has been out of the lineup with a right big toe sprain, but he is likely to take on the Pacers on Tuesday.
Caris LeVert (SG) Prob Mon Foot - 23 / 02 / 22 8-16 16-8-1 + - LeVert has been out of action due to a right foot sprain, but he is expected to return to the court for Monday's clash with the Clippers.
Brandon Goodwin (PG) Prob Wed Illness - 09 / 02 / 22 11-17 17-11-1 + - Goodwin is ailing from an illness, but it is anticipated that he will suit up against the Spurs on Wednesday.
Darius Garland (PG) Prob Wed Back - 31 / 01 / 22 12-20 19-13-1 + - Garland has sat out the last four contests with lower-back soreness, but it is projected that he will be available for Wednesday's clash versus the Spurs.
Jarrett Allen (C) Ques Wed Illness - 24 / 01 / 22 13-22 19-16-1 + - Allen sat out the last contest due to an illness, and it is undecided if he will face the Bucks on Wednesday.
Lauri Markkanen (PF) Prob Thurs Ankle - 22 / 01 / 22 13-23 20-16-1 + - Markkanen has been sidelined with a high right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will return for Thursday's matchup versus the Pistons.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Blake Griffin (PF) Prob Sat Ankle - 22 / 04 / 22 0-2 0-2 + - Griffin is tending to a sprained left ankle, but it is projected that he will face the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Seth Curry (SG) Prob Tues Ankle - 10 / 04 / 22 2-3 2-3 + - Curry is dealing with left ankle soreness, but it is projected that he will be active in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In against the Cavaliers.
Seth Curry (SG) Prob Fri Ankle - 07 / 04 / 22 3-3 2-4 + - Curry is tending to a sprained left ankle, but it is projected that he will suit up against the Cavaliers on Friday.
James Johnson (PF) Ques Fri Illness - 04 / 04 / 22 3-5 2-6 + - Johnson has missed the last two games due to an non-COVID-19 illness, and it is undetermined if he will take the floor against the Cavaliers on Friday.
Goran Dragic (PG) Prob Tues Conditioning - 02 / 04 / 22 3-6 2-7 + - Dragic has cleared the league's health and safety protocol, and it is anticipated that he will line up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In versus the Cavaliers.
Bruce Brown (PG) Prob Tues Illness - 01 / 04 / 22 3-6 2-7 + - Brown was held out of the last contest due to a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that he will be active for Tuesday's clash with the Rockets.
Seth Curry (SG) Prob Wed Ankle - 01 / 04 / 22 3-6 2-7 + - Curry has sat out the last two games with a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will face the Knicks on Wednesday.
Seth Curry (SG) Ques Sun Ankle - 27 / 03 / 22 4-8 3-9 + - Curry is hindered by a left ankle sprain, and it is unclear if he will be active against the Hornets on Sunday.
Goran Dragic (PG) Prob Sun Knee - 27 / 03 / 22 4-8 3-9 + - Dragic is dealing with a sore left knee, but it is expected that he will battle the Hornets on Sunday.
Goran Dragic (PG) Prob Sat Knee - 23 / 03 / 22 5-9 4-10 + - Dragic sat out the last contest with a sore left knee, but it is expected that he will battle the Heat on Saturday.