Cleveland (22-4) at Brooklyn (10-15)
- When: Dec 16 2024, 7:30 PM
- Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- TV: YES
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Brooklyn Nets
Moneyline
Cleveland Cavaliers -525
Brooklyn Nets +375
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Brooklyn Nets
Point Spread
Cleveland Cavaliers -10.5 (-110)
Brooklyn Nets 10.5 (-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Brooklyn Nets
Total
Over 219.0 (-110)
Under 219.0 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Key Players:
Cleveland: Donovan Mitchell
Brooklyn: Cameron Johnson
Team Stats
| Cavaliers | Nets | |
| 22-4 | Record | 10-15 |
| 8-3 | Away & Home | 5-6 |
| 7-3 | Last 10 | 4-6 |
| W1 | Streak | L2 |
Last Matchup:
CLE 105-100, November 9th, 2024
Game Preview
The Brooklyn Nets took a chance on Kenny Atkinson in 2016, giving him his first head coaching role. While he brought promise and structure, his tenure lasted just over three seasons, largely due to clashes with superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Fast forward to 2024, and Atkinson finds himself thriving with the Cleveland Cavaliers, tasked with building on their consecutive postseason runs.
A Record-Setting Start for Cleveland
Under Atkinson’s guidance, the Cavaliers are off to a historic start, tying the franchise record with 22 wins in their first 26 games—a feat they previously achieved in the 2008-09 season. This impressive run includes an early-season 105-100 victory over the Nets on Nov. 9, where Cleveland erased a 12-point deficit in the final quarter, fueled by a dominant 35-18 fourth-quarter performance. That win extended their season-opening 15-game winning streak and marked a significant milestone in Atkinson’s coaching comeback.
Reflecting on his time in Brooklyn, where he amassed a 118-190 record before being dismissed in 2020, Atkinson acknowledged his growth:
“I’ve grown a lot. I’ve changed a lot as a coach, which is a good thing. I’m definitely not the same coach I was in Brooklyn.”
Cavaliers Finding Ways to Win
Cleveland has remained strong, going 7-4 since their streak ended. They’ve won five of their last six games, with their most recent triumph coming in a gritty 115-105 win over the Washington Wizards. Despite shooting a season-low 39.6%, the Cavaliers compensated by making 28 free throws on 40 attempts.
Donovan Mitchell continues to be a cornerstone for Cleveland, averaging elite numbers and emphasizing improvement:
“I think we can be better. We’re not a finished product. We have moments where things click, but there’s always room to improve.”
The Cavaliers have been without key forward Evan Mobley, sidelined with an ankle injury since Dec. 8. Before his injury, Mobley delivered a career-high 41 points against the Charlotte Hornets, underscoring his importance to Cleveland’s success.
Brooklyn’s Defensive Struggles
The Nets, meanwhile, are grappling with defensive woes. After a promising stretch in late November, Brooklyn has faltered, losing five of their last six games while conceding an average of 115.7 points per contest. Teams have shot over 50% against them four times in the past seven games, including a season-worst 57.4% in a recent loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
“If you give up 135 points, you don’t deserve to win. That’s for sure,” lamented Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez after a 135-119 loss to Memphis.
Brooklyn has also faced roster upheaval. Dennis Schroder, their third-leading scorer at 18.4 points per game, was traded to the Golden State Warriors. The Nets await the return of Cam Thomas, sidelined with a hamstring injury, but his absence leaves a significant gap in their scoring depth.
Prediction:
The Cavaliers’ balanced attack and stout defense make them strong favorites. With Brooklyn’s defensive lapses and roster uncertainties, Cleveland is positioned to control the pace and capitalize on mismatches.
Cleveland’s depth and momentum should propel them to another victory, while Brooklyn will need significant adjustments to stay competitive.
NBA Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Cleveland 117-105
The Pick: Cleveland -10½ & Over 219
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
