The Cleveland Cavaliers (37-24) and Brooklyn Nets (15-44) will meet in the NBA on Sunday afternoon. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The game will broadcast live on YES.
The Cavaliers are 11.5-point favorites over the Nets on the spread (Cavaliers -11.5), with the over/under set at 222.5 total points. Cleveland is a -575 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Brooklyn is +425 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Cavaliers vs. Nets predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, March, 1.
Cavaliers vs Nets Prediction, Picks
- Cavaliers vs Nets pick: Nolan Traore Over 16.5 Points + Assists (-120)
My Nets vs. Cavaliers best bet is on Nolan Traore to combine for over 16.5 points + assists. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Cavaliers vs Nets Odds
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-11.5 -110 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | -575 |
| Nets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+11.5 -110 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | +425 |
Cavaliers vs Nets NBA Preview
The Cavaliers have a somewhat loaded injury report for today's game against the Nets in Brooklyn.
Chief among them, Donovan Mitchell (groin) will miss a third consecutive game.
Is the injury serious? Or is it just another low-stakes spot against the Nets?
We'll find out upon further reporting, or once Mitchell's status is updated prior to the Cavs' next game against the Pistons, which is a rematch of this past week's showing, where Cleveland outlasted Detroit in overtime.
James Harden (thumb) and Keon Ellis (ankle) are both questionable to play.
Dean Wade (ankle) and Max Strus (foot) are both sidelined for the Cavaliers this afternoon.
Nic Claxton (thumb) is questionable for the Nets, while Egor Demin (foot) has already been declared out.
Cavaliers vs Nets Predictions, Betting Analysis
Nolan Traore over 16.5 points + assists is where I'm looking tonight.
The rookie will step into a bigger role without Demin, who will sit out for the first time since February 9.
Traore has played six games without Demin this season, averaging 7.5 points and 5.0 assists across 25.5 minutes per contest.
However, Traore has also been ascending lately, averaging 13.4 points and 6.1 assists per game in his last 10 outings, with overs in 5-of-10.
Traore had 13 points and 13 assists in a 31-minute start against the Bulls without Demin back on February 9.
The hit rate isn't insane, but his recent play combined with an increased opportunity in the absence of Demin should get Traore over this line, as he likely will log a 15th straight start.
Pick: Nolan Traore Over 16.5 Points + Assists (-120)
Spread
I'm not betting either side of the spread in this game.
Moneyline
No play on the moneyline as well.
Over/Under
My Cavaliers vs. Nets betting prediction is Nolan Traore Over 16.5 Points + Assists.
