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The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets open their 2023-24 NBA regular seasons Wednesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cavaliers vs. Nets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Cavaliers won 2-1 last season
The Cavaliers bolstered their roster in the offseason, re-signing G Caris LeVert, while upgrading at the 3 with SF Max Strus coming over from Miami in a sign-and-trade deal. Watch rookie SF Emoni Bates, a 2nd round pick, who could surprise, too.
The Nets tried to make a “Big 3” in recent seasons, but it ended up being more of a big mess instead. Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving are now all elsewhere. More team-oriented and defensive-minded players like Mikal Bridges, Dorian Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson join the underrated Spencer Dinwiddie in the borough. It might not have the flashy names and big-time followings, but there is a lot less baggage, too.
Cavaliers at Nets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:16 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Nets -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -1.5 (-105) | Nets +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)
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Cavaliers at Nets key injuries
Cavaliers
- C Jarrett Allen (ankle) out
- G Darius Garland (hamstring) questionable
- F Dean Wade (illness) doubtful
Nets
- G Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) probable
- F Dariq Whitehead (foot) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Cavaliers at Nets picks and predictions
Prediction
Nets 109, Cavaliers 105
Moneyline
The NETS (-105) are worth playing at near even-money, as the Cavaliers (-115) emerge from the preseason a little banged up.
The fact Allen is sidelined leaves a big hole in the paint for the visitors, while Garland carries a 50-50 tag. There is just a lot more concern and doubt for the Cavs, and that tips the scales in favor of the short ‘dogs at home.
Against the spread
It makes no sense to play the Nets +1.5 (-115), while paying, essentially, for one point. Unless you feel the Cavs -1.5 (-105) are going to win, but only by a single point, just play Brooklyn straight up on the moneyline for a much better value.
PASS.
Over/Under
The best play on the board is UNDER 221.5 (-110).
Brooklyn will be a much more defensive-oriented team this season, while Cleveland will be missing Allen in the middle, while potentially also seeing Garland wearing street clothes to begin the season. Donovan Mitchell can fill up the stat sheet, but Spida can’t do it all for the Cavs. Cleveland might struggle to get into triple digits. This game certainly won’t get to the 220’s.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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