Nets vs Cavaliers Picks and Predictions: Can Brooklyn Make It Nine Straight?

The Brooklyn Nets enter today's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Winning nine of their last 10, they'll look to make a big statement against an Eastern Conference rival. 

For Cleveland, it's about stacking good wins together against good teams. Tonight is a good test of measure to see where they're at and test their legitimacy as a playoff contender. Expect the ball to be in Donovan Mitchell's hands early and often in this one.

Find out the best options with our free NBA picks and predictions for the Cavaliers vs. Nets on Monday, December 26.

Nets vs Cavaliers best odds

Nets vs Cavaliers picks and predictions

The Brooklyn Nets are surging and playing their best basketball of the season in many ways, which is bad news for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I expect Donovan Mitchell to take control of this game tonight as Kevin Durant will undoubtedly look to secure the Nets' 10th victory in 11 games.

Donovan Mitchell has been remarkable against the Nets, to put it lightly, throughout his career. In ten games, he's averaged 26.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. In the two matchups last season against the Nets while he was with Utah, he produced 28.5 points per game on 51.5% shooting. Brooklyn knows Mitchell is great and will score, so there's a great shot he duplicates these efforts again tonight. 

Scoring over 30 points in five of his last 10 games, Mitchell has fully immersed himself in the conversation of best scorers in the NBA. The Nets will open up with a combination of guys looking to slow down the dynamic Mitchell. I expect a combination of Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons to get an early and frequent dose of Mitchell. 

Tonight, Mitchell's Over/Under for points is 27.5. In his last 10 games, Mitchell has gone Over that mark six times. Simmons and his combination of size and length could pose a threat, but Mitchell is on the list of NBA players who one single player can't contain.

My best bet: Donovan Mitchell Over 27.5 points (-111)

Nets vs Cavaliers spread analysis

Tonight will be a very close game, and Vegas feels the same way, holding the NBA odds at -2 in favor of Cleveland. 

Both teams have been playing solid basketball of late, but the Nets have been nearly unbeatable, going 12-3 since the return of Kyrie Irving to the lineup. Brooklyn plays with so much poise, an improved defense, and confidence that can make them a very dangerous team come playoff time.

I wouldn't be fazed by Brooklyn being listed as an underdog, as they've won four of the 10 games they've played as underdogs this season.

Tonight will be an intriguing battle that will depend on how well the Nets can effectively score against this top-ranked Cavaliers defense. The Cavaliers average 110.9 points per game and when the Nets allow fewer than 110.9 points, they are 13-5 against the spread and 14-4 overall. 

Expect Mitchell to get his points; the question is, can Cleveland as a whole slow down Durant and Irving? The Cavaliers' backcourt is relatively safe and it wouldn't surprise me to see Irving active early and often in this one, trying to send a message to a fellow Eastern Conference contender.

The Cavaliers have been one of the more consistent teams since the start of the season, but the Nets have played lights out since Irving has been back in the lineup. Brooklyn has the best offensive rating and a Top-10 defensive rating in the NBA since November 20. I'd favor the surging Nets in this one.

Nets vs Cavaliers Over/Under analysis

In factoring that Cleveland surrenders the least amount of points per game (104.9) and the Nets' defense is catching on of late, we are in store for a matchup that will likely hit the Under. The Nets are currently 15-18 O/U and 4-6 as the underdog.

The Cavaliers, similar to the Nets, have a O/U record under .500. At 15-19 O/U, their impressive defense has held many teams in check and helped bolster their Under record for the season. The Under is currently 5-0 in the Cavaliers' last five games following a straight-up loss. 

Cleveland will likely throw multiple defenders at Irving and Durant throughout the game and force more of their role players to score. Similarly, Brooklyn will throw several looks at Mitchell and Darius Garland in hopes of slowing them down.

While Mitchell is matchup-proof in many ways, the Nets could position Simmons on Garland at different points, stunting the point guard's ability to score in abundance. Take the Under.

Nets vs Cavaliers betting trend to know

The Nets are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games vs. teams with winning home records. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Cavaliers.

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Nets vs Cavaliers key injuries

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