Cavaliers vs. Nets 2022 NBA In-Play Tournament Key Matchups
The Nets take home advantage in the upcoming Play-In Tournament despite only matching the Cavs’ record of 44-38. However, the side managed to secure more home wins in the process. Many expected Brooklyn to join the top of the table, but multiple issues came into play and forced the franchise into an erratic run to the end of the season.
Meanwhile, the Cavs played well throughout the season with a relatively young squad running the show. Their playoff chances stayed low with teams like the Wizards, Hornets, Knicks, and the Pacers expected to deliver better figures. Nevertheless, the side surprised everyone with a No. 8 seed finish and a Play-In appearance.
Nitrobetting gets you primed for the action with three key matchups in the upcoming Clippers vs. Timberwolves Play-In contest.
3 Key Matchups In Cavaliers vs. Nets 2022 NBA Play-In Showdown
Battle of the point guards
Cleveland’s Darius Garland holds the team-best record in scoring. He’s played a pivotal role in the team’s run to the Play-In Tournament and we expect him to go all out on Tuesday night. While the team’s scoring duties spread across nine players on the double-digit average, Garland is the only player to hit an average of over 20 points per game. He also records the most minutes in the lineup with over 35 per game and the most assists at 8.57 per game. Garland is likely to take a huge role in the team’s efforts to secure a playoff position.
The other end of the spectrum highlights an inspired Kyrie Irving, who is right behind Durant in points per game. Irving is the second-best scorer on the team with over 27 points per game. He also holds the team-high assists record with an average of 5.76 per game. After New York announced changes to its vaccine mandate, Irving is now free to play home games, adding more inspiration to the lineup.
Shooting Offense vs. Defense
Statistics show that the Cavaliers shine on the defensive end, while the Nets are an obvious favorite for attacking basketball fans. This makes for a good showdown between both teams. The Cavaliers are heavy on the perimeter and short-range shooting defense. They average 51.4% opponent two-point percentage and is the fifth-best record in the league coming into the clash. Additionally, the Cavs hold a solid 45.2% opponent shooting percentage, which should be enough to keep the Nets on their toes.
This puts pressure on the Nets’ 47.5% shooting percentage. Although the side looks seemingly average in the paint with 45.9 points per game, they do well from mid-range and beyond. There’s no shortage of capable shooters in Steve Nash’s lineup. Irving and Durant alone can do most of the damage, but reliable players like Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and Bruce Brown provide solid backup to the duo.
The X-factors
Jarrett Allen is ruled out of Tuesday’s Play-In contest against the Nets. This leaves rookie Evan Mobley big man duties on game night. After all, he’s been on a steady pace since joining the league and could play an important role in the Cavs’ efforts to get past the Nets.
Mobley holds onto rim-protecting duties against Nets attackers Durant and Irving. He does fare well against proficient finishers, but the 20-year-old needs to bring his A-game to make sure the duo is kept at bay.
As for the Nets, they have Seth Curry returning just in time to play the Cavs. He is officially listed as probable tomorrow night after missing a handful of games due to an ankle injury. Curry has been instrumental since joining the Nets. He covered for Irving and has been a constant performer for the team. The former Sixers player is likely to play an important role in this matchup, rotating with starting guard Kyrie Irving.
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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.
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