The first game of the 2022 NBA Play-In Tournament, which the league doesn’t consider the actual playoffs but also not part of the regular season, features East No. 8 Cleveland visiting No. 7 Brooklyn Tuesday with the winner as the No. 7 seed in the East and to face Boston in Round 1.

This writer doesn’t think Cleveland can beat Boston in the next round but Brooklyn could – especially if the Nets get back former All-Star Ben Simmons for Round 1. He has yet to play this season for either the 76ers or Nets since being traded to Brooklyn but his back is improving. Simmons perhaps may not be ready for Game 1 of the next round if the Nets win this game (which they should), but perhaps Game 2 or 3. The NBA play-in tournament is in just its second season and it’s fair to say the Nets are the best team in it thus far with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

The Nets were 3-1 vs. the Cavs during the regular season and they last played on April 8, a 118-107 home Brooklyn victory. Durant led the way with 36 points and the Nets outscored the Cavs 35-19 in the fourth. Darius Garland scored 31 points for the Cavaliers in the loss.

Nitrobetting is ready for the postseason. Find a full preview of the Cavaliers vs. Nets game below. We present you with game details, team and player stats, the latest NBA betting odds, trends, and predictions–all of which help you lock in on the best picks.

Cavaliers vs. Nets Game Information

• When: Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 7:00 PM ET
• Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
• TV: TNT
• Radio: Newsradio WTAM 1100 (Cavaliers) / WFAN 101.9 FM (Nets)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: Cavaliers (+8.5) / Nets (-8.5)

READ MORE: Cavaliers vs. Nets 2022 NBA In-Play Tournament Key Matchups

Why Bet on the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland is not expected to get back All-Star Jarrett Allen from a broken finger on Tuesday. Allen shed his bulky splint, which protected the fractured middle finger on his left hand and wrapped that digit — plus one more — with black tape on Sunday. For more than 15 minutes, he worked out alongside a pair of assistant coaches. Still, he’s considered doubtful and Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that there still isn’t a timeline for Allen’s return.

“It’s a structure thing first and foremost. You always want to make sure that it’s as healthy as it possibly can be. In his position, the banging that he does, on the rim, like blocking shots, all those things. Then it becomes pain tolerance. Then strengthening and his ability to use that finger. But he’s making steps. It’ll be one of those things where the day will come, and he’ll be ready to go,” Bickerstaff said.

Allen averaged 16.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 56 appearances in 2021-22, a career season. His rim-running and shot-blocking abilities are great assets that the Cavs greatly miss amid his absence. The Cavs finished the regular season 44-38, doubling their win total from last season (22-50). The 22-win improvement is the 2nd-largest win improvement by a Cavs team in franchise history.

Why Bet on the Brooklyn Nets?

There are two injury/health concerns for Brooklyn other than Simmons. Guard Seth Curry, who also came over from Philly in the Simmons trade, missed the regular-season finale with a knee injury but will play. He actually referenced Tiger Woods playing the Masters in dealing with the pain. Since joining the Nets, Curry has averaged 14.9 points on 49.3 percent shooting from the field and 46.8 percent from three.

“Just everyday [I’m trying to] manage the thing, trying to get through the season into the playoffs and give the team when I can,” Curry said. “I feel like if Tiger can shoot 1-under [par] at Augusta [on Thursday], I can play through a little bit of pain for the rest of the season.”

However, point guard Goran Dragic is iffy in the health and safety protocols. Nets coach Steve Nash is not optimistic about Dragic’s chances to play but he admits there is a “chance” he is able to clear and play. It appears baring a miracle, Dragic will miss his sixth straight game. Cam Thomas and Patty Mills continue to see increased minutes while Dragic is sidelined.

Cavaliers vs. Nets Betting Trends

• Cavaliers are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games as an underdog.
• Cavaliers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
• Cavaliers are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 Tuesday games.
• Nets are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 Tuesday games.
• Nets are 11-28 ATS in their last 39 games as a favorite.
• Nets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.

Cavaliers vs. Nets Expert Betting Prediction

Nets win but Cavs cover

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more NBA game previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Basketball betting odds on the sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.