At 44-10, the Cleveland Cavaliers own the best record in the NBA and sit 24 games ahead of the 20-34 Brooklyn Nets.
Despite the vast gulf in wins, the Cavs and Nets come back from the All-Star break as two of the hottest teams in the Association. Cleveland is riding a four-game win streak, and the Nets emerged victorious in six of their last seven thanks in large part to strong play on the defensive end.
My Cavaliers vs Nets predictions expect a low-scoring affair at Barclays Center. Read my NBA picks to see why I’m backing the Under for tonight’s point total.
Cavaliers vs Nets prediction
My best bet
Under 225.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Brooklyn Nets have won three straight and six of their last seven behind the best defensive rating in the Association. Over the last seven, Brooklyn’s 103.4 defensive rating is tops in the league, which is a vast improvement over the team’s 22nd-ranked defensive rating on the season (114.6).
Despite a massive improvement on the defensive end, Brooklyn’s offense has remained stagnant. The Nets rank 27th in offensive rating this season at 108.6. Over the last seven, the team’s offensive rating has improved only marginally to 109.8 (25th).
In that same seven-game span, the Cleveland Cavaliers rank fourth in defensive rating at 109.4 and second in offensive rating at 125.5.
Cleveland is 36-18 to the Over this season, but Brooklyn is 23-31 to the Under. The Nets have hit the Under in 17 of the last 18 at home. The Nets are 9-17 to the Under at home, 19-27 to the Under as the underdog, and 6-13 to the Under as the home underdog.
Cleveland has sported a Top-10 offense and defense all season, but Brooklyn’s recent defensive surge should cause a lower final score. The Nets’ depleted roster won’t win a shootout with the Association’s top offensive unit, and the only way the team can stay competitive is by making the contest ugly and slowing it down.
Cavaliers vs Nets same-game parlay
Under 225.5
Cameron Johnson 15+ points
Jarrett Allen double-double
Cameron Johnson is averaging a career-best 19.1 points per game this season. Only Cam Thomas has averaged more points for the Nets, but Thomas will be out again tonight. Johnson has scored 15 or more points in 27 of 39 games this season, including 13 of 18 at home.
Jarrett Allen has corralled at least 10 rebounds in 36 of 54 appearances, and he’s scored at least 10 points 41 times. Cleveland’s big man is averaging 13.6 points and 10.3 boards, and he’s compiled 30 double-doubles this season. He played limited minutes in both matchups with the Nets this season, but he recorded a double-double in seven of eight against Brooklyn before that.
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Cavaliers vs Nets odds
Cavaliers vs Nets live odds
Cavaliers vs Nets opening odds
- Spread: Cleveland -13 (-110) | Brooklyn +13 (-110)
- Moneyline: Cleveland -850 | Brooklyn +575
- Over/Under: Over 221.5 (-110) | Under 221.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Cavaliers vs Nets spread and Over/Under analysis
- Cleveland has covered in 16 of 25 games on the road.
- Brooklyn is 11-15 ATS at home and 8-11 ATS as the home dog.
- The Nets have hit the Under in 31 of 54 games.
Cavaliers vs Nets trend
The Brooklyn Nets have hit the Team Total Under in 17 of their last 18 games at home (+15.85 Units / 76% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Nets.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Nets
| Location | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York |
| Date | Thursday, 2-20-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FanDuel Sports Network-Ohio, YES, NBAC |
Cavaliers vs Nets latest injuries
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