BROOKLYN NETS VS. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTIONS — February 20, 2025

BROOKLYN NETS VS. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTIONS — February 20, 2025 — Greetings, basketball fans. Welcome back to our NBA coverage here at Godzilla Wins. One of the games on tap from Thursday’s slate features the Brooklyn Nets (20-34 SU, 29-24-1 ATS) hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-10 SU, 35-19-1 ATS).

Here is a look at which squad has the edge going into this matchup and why.

Tipoff

When: Thursday, February 20, 2025 @ 7:30 PM ET

Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn NY

TV: YES and FDSOH

Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings

Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers — Preview & Betting Trends

Nets Seeking First Four-Game Winning Streak Of The Season

Following a disappointing 119-102 setback against the Washington Wizards on Feb. 5, the Nets enter this matchup riding a three-game winning streak. This includes a 100-96 win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 12.

D’Angelo Russell led the way as one of three starters that reached double figures. He finished with 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 9-for-15 shooting from the field and a 3-for-7 effort from beyond the arc.

Cameron Johnson added 16 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Nic Claxton contributed 13 points and 11 boards. After trailing by 11 points in the first half, the Sixers battled back to take a 58-57 lead early in the third quarter.

Brooklyn responded with a 12-2 burst, outscoring Philly 19-8 over the final 7:34 of the period and never trailed again.

Cavaliers Looking To Push Win Streak To Five Games

On the other hand, the Cavaliers enter this conference tilt amid a four-game winning streak, including a decisive 131-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 12.

Donovan Mitchell was the catalyst for a scoring attack in which all five starters reached double figures. His final stat line included 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Darius Garland finished with 15 points, eight assists, and three steals. Max Strus added 14, while Jarett Allen and Evan Mobley combined for 25 points and 25 rebounds.

Cleveland took control of the game early, thanks to a 41-17 scoring edge in the opening stanza. The rest of the game was a mere afterthought as the Cavaliers completed a four-game season sweep against Toronto.

Three of the four wins were by double digits, and the average margin of victory was 18.3 points per contest. Now that we have set the stage for this pivotal showdown let’s examine the betting trends for both teams.

Nets vs. Cavaliers Spread Analysis

Given that they are 14 games below the .500 mark, the Nets come into this contest as a 13.5-point underdog (per OddsShark.com). Here is a look at how both teams have fared against the spread this season.

• The Nets are 6-1 ATS in their last seven contests.
• Brooklyn is 5-1 ATS in its past six Thursday night games.
• Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are 6-3 ATS in their previous nine outings.
• Cleveland is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 February matchups.

Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers (-13.5)

Nets vs. Cavaliers Over/Under Prediction

The projected scoring total for this matchup is 221.5 points (via OddsShark.com). Let’s see why going with the “over” is the intelligent choice.

• The total has gone OVER six times in the Nets’ last nine games against Cleveland.
• The OVER total is 6-2 in Cavaliers’ previous eight outings.
• The total has gone OVER nine times in Cleveland’s past 11 road contests.
• These two teams average a combined 227.7 PPG, 6.2 points higher than the over/under total for this matchup.

Prediction: OVER 221.5 points

Nets vs. Cavaliers Player Prop Bet

Following his 22-point effort against Philadelphia, D’Angelo Russell is the key player to watch for the home team. He currently has -115 odds of scoring more than 13.5 points and -115 odds of finishing with less than 13.5 points (via Bet365.com).

Here is a look at how his numbers stack up against the projected points total for this matchup.

• During the season, Russell is averaging 13.1 points per game.
• In 18 career matchups against the Cavaliers, he has averaged 21.8 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per outing.
• Russell has suited up in 23 home games this season. In those contests, he averages 12.7 points per outing.
• Across his last six outings, Russell has put up 13.8 points per game, exceeding the points total for this matchup three times during that stretch.

Prediction: D’Angelo Russell OVER 13.5 points