Miami Heat

Last Wednesday, in the first of those two games, Cleveland beat the Nets on the road for their second straight win, and they are seventh in their past nine games. The Cavaliers enter the game with a 46-28 record, second in the Central Division and 6.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the top spot. They sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, 6.5 games behind Milwaukee and 6.5 games ahead of Miami, ensuring they can hold on to a playoff. Against Brooklyn, Cleveland Cavaliers trailed by seven after the start, then outscored the Nets 38-25 in the second quarter to build a six-point halftime advantage. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 31 points in the win.

Cleveland beat Brooklyn at home in Game 1 of a two-game series on their last match, their fourth straight loss. The Nets finished fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 39-33 record on Wednesday, 10.5 games behind the Celtics for the top spot. They sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings but hold a playoff berth just a half-game ahead of the Heat.

Those teams have had a mixed run of late, with Cleveland winning seven of its past nine games while the Nets have lost four in a row. Brooklyn made two big trades at the deadline, sending Kevin Durant & Kyrie Irving to Phoenix and Dallas, respectively. While Bridges, Johnson, and Dinwiddie are all good players, it takes time to integrate new players into the rotation, and it will be more challenging when a player like Simmons is out. Brooklyn had to experiment and rely on getting production from more minor parts to stay competitive. Cleveland is healthy and proved they could handle the Nets in their building. The Cavaliers will win this game.