Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Brooklyn is seeking a big win against the shorthanded Cavs.

Peter Sunjic

© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Over the past week, the Nets have lost to the league’s bottom-dwellers, the Grizzlies, Pistons, and the Hornets. Those are matchups Coach Kevin Ollie’s team must win, but they’ve let go of the gas and suffered disastrous losses.

Brooklyn will now play against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team that has already beaten the Nets three times this season. It will be a monumental game, as the matchup favors Cleveland, but injuries might change that.

Cleveland will still be a tough challenge

The Cavs are four players short of their regular lineup, but Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are still spearheading this team. Allen is averaging 19.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game over the Cavs’ last ten, which could spell trouble for the Nets.

In the most recent matchup between Brooklyn and Cleveland in early February, the Cavs won 118 to 95. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley were standouts in that game, but they are sitting out this upcoming game. It is a golden opportunity for the Nets, as they must capitalize on the injured stars.

Cameron Thomas returned to the game against the Hornets, scoring 31 points. It was a much-needed boost for the Nets, as the team has lacked go-to scoring amidst Mikal Bridges’ rough patch. With Mitchell missing out, Thomas can capitalize on his matchups, as he can dominate and get hot with his jump shots.

Nic Claxton will have his hands full against his former teammate, Jarrett Allen. However, they will likely cancel each other out since they will defend and box out against each other.

Injury report

Brooklyn has multiple names in the injury report as Cameron Johnson recovers from an ankle injury. Lonnie Walker IV sat out the game against Charlotte due to an illness, so his status is unclear. Lastly, Ben Simmons and Dariq Whitehead won’t play, considering they suffered season-ending injuries.

Cleveland is dealing with Mitchell and Mobley’s absence due to lower-body injuries. The same goes for Max Strus’ knee issue. Ty Jerome is the final name in the injury report, as he underwent surgery in January and remains out.

Brooklyn's Play-In hopes become even bleaker with a loss to the Charlotte Hornets

Published
Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

Home/Gameday