The Cleveland Cavaliers (45-28) visit the Brooklyn Nets (39-32) on Tuesday. Tip from Barclays Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Spurs vs. Pelicans odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Cleveland took down the Washington Wizards 117-94 on Friday as a 5.5-point home favorite. It has won 3 of its last 4 games and is 7-3 in its last 10 and 6-4 against the spread (ATS). This season they are 38-32-3 ATS.
The Nets fell 108-102 at home to the Denver Nuggets on Friday failing to cover as a 3-point home underdog. It has lost 3 games in a row and is 5-5 in its last 10. During that stretch, Brooklyn is 6-4 ATS to improve to 36-33-2 ATS this season.
The Nets beat the Cavs 125-117 on the road to cover as 2-point underdogs in their only other matchup this season on Dec. 26 as the Over hit.
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Cavaliers at Nets odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:34 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Nets +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -3.5 (-105) | Nets +3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Cavaliers at Nets key injuries
Cavaliers
- C Jarrett Allen (eye) questionable
Nets
- SF Dorian Finney-Smith (wrist) questionable
- SG Ben Simmons (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Cavaliers at Nets picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 115, Nets 108
Moneyline
PASS.
At -150 odds, the spread presents a better play on a Cavs team that is looking to cement itself as a top team in the East. The spread presents a more profitable play.
Against the spread
LEAN CAVALIERS -3.5 (-105).
Cleveland is 6-2 in its last 8 games including 3-1 on the road and is coming off a dominant victory on Friday while Brooklyn has dropped 3 in a row and 4 of its last 6 including back-to-back home games. While this game should remain close, Cleveland has shown that it should not be bet against due to its current form.
The Cavs are 3-2 ATS in their last 5 road games while the Nets are 2-3 ATS in their last 5 home games. According to NBA.com, the Cavs have a net rating of 5.8 (1st) while the Nets have a rating of 0.8 (12th). The Cavaliers’ efficiency will allow them to put Brooklyn on its heels and steal a road win.
Over/Under
BET OVER 218.5 (-110).
With C Jarrett Allen questionable for the game, the Cavs’ top-ranked defense in opponent points per game may not have its anchor, meaning easier opportunities for the Nets to score. The Nets’ offense ranks 4th in FG percentage while the Cavs’ offense ranks 6th in the same metric. Both teams will be looking to drill the paint and spread the ball around to create high-probability-scoring opportunities.
The Over is 7-1 in the Cavs’ last 8 games following an outright victory and 7-1 in their last 8 road games. The Over is 5-1 in their last 6 games following a ATS win and 5-1 in their last 6 road games against a team with a winning home record.
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