Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets 3/21/23 – The Cleveland Cavaliers have established themselves as a lock for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, with only one team within three games of them on either side. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets hold onto their sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot but are only one game ahead of Miami Heat in terms of record. Both sides desperately desire to maintain their position, and with only a few weeks remaining, now is not the time to let up according to NBA online analytics.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET
Location: Barclays Center
TV: NBAt
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Odds
Cavaliers
Moneyline: -140
Spread: -2.5 (-110)
Total: 218.5 over (-110)
Nets
Moneyline: +120
Spread: +2.5 (-110)
Total: 218.5 under (-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Analysis
No team in the NBA has a higher net rating than Cleveland Cavaliers this season, thanks to their top defensive rating. Not only do they allow fewest points and three-point attempts per game, but their defense ranks ninth for effective field goal percentage allowed and owns the fourth highest turnover percentage in the league – all while keeping opponents guessing at their pace of play. It’s no wonder Cleveland continues to frustrate most opposing offenses with its slowest pace this season. Cleveland ranks ninth in offensive rating, led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Their shooting percentages are among the best in the NBA, including their sixth-best field goal percentage and third highest percentage on shots at the rim. Furthermore, Cleveland maintains a 13.0% turnover rate in the league. Cleveland has had some difficulty on the road this season, posting a 16-20 record and going just 15-19-2 against the spread. Jarrett Allen has been out since March 10 with an eye injury and remains questionable for this game. Allen has missed four games since returning, with Cleveland improving to 3-1 after dispatching the Wizards on Friday. The Cavaliers never trailed in their 117-94 triumph, outplaying Washington in nearly every area of play – including a commanding 78-48 scoring advantage in the paint.
Prior to the trade deadline, the Brooklyn Nets were fourth in the Eastern Conference. However, trading away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving has caused them to take a step back. Cleveland is one of two teams that has recently passed them in the standings, and Miami could put them into the play-in tournament. If the Nets want an automatic playoff spot, every win is essential right now. Brooklyn has scored just 101.7 points per game on 43.4% shooting from the field this season, leading to their second-lowest offensive rebounding rate this year. To turn things around, however, they need their shots to fall more often; currently ranking fourth in three-point percentage and effective field goal percentage for the year, it appears that turning things around should not be too difficult. On the defensive end, the Nets rank 13th in defensive rating and hold opponents to 60.0% shooting at the rim – second-best in NBA. Brooklyn also boasts the highest block rate at 11.1%, led by center Nic Claxton who has been instrumental in their strong play all season long, especially inside. Only 36.7% of their opponents’ shot attempts are threes – fifth lowest rate – but they hit 37.1% which ranks 23rd overall.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Against the Spread
Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 7-1 in Cavaliers last 8 games following a straight up win. Over is 7-1 in Cavaliers last 8 road games. Over is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 games following an ATS win. Over is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 4-0 in Nets last 4 home games. The Nets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 7-1 in Nets last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 7-1 in Nets last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Free Pick
Brooklyn is struggling offensively and facing off against the NBA’s top defense. Cleveland hasn’t been at its best away from home this season, which could prove disastrous for them. At this stage of the season, Cleveland leads on both ends of the court, so even if Jarrett Allen doesn’t play that shouldn’t alter anything in terms of outcome as per NBA betting experts.
Free Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5 (-110)
