Cleveland extended their win streak to six games with an impressive 105-91 win on the road over the Toronto Raptors on Friday, and are looking to keep pace with the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Brooklyn has had an up-and-down year to this point, and haven't been able to capture any momentum. They're looking to find that spark to ignite their season, and will come out playing inspired basketball at home.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (11-7)
G Kyrie Irving – 22.0 ppg, 4.8 apg
G Shawn Marion – 6.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg
F LeBron James – 24.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 7.9 apg
F Kevin Love – 17.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg
C Anderson Varejao – 10.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg
Brooklyn Nets (8-10)
G Deron Williams – 17.3 ppg, 6.2 apg
G Bojan Bogdanovic – 9.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg
F Joe Johnson – 15.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg
F Kevin Garnett - 7.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg
C Brook Lopez - 16.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg
What to watch for:
Brook Lopez vs. Cleveland's big men
Nets center Brook Lopez is arguably the best offensive center in the league, but he's had some struggles to start the season. However, there's no better team for him to get back on track against considering the Cavs' lack of size. He holds a major height advantage over both Love and Varejao, and is much more athletic than anyone Cleveland can bring off the bench to guard him (Brendan Haywood?). If Lopez can have a big game, Brooklyn will have a very good chance to win.
Deron Williams vs. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving has emerged as one of the best point guards in the league, but he's still a weak defender. Deron Williams used to be considered one of the best players in the league, period, when he was with the Utah Jazz. Since being traded to Nets, he's often seemed disinterested and hasn't consistently played at that level. He still shows flashes from time to time and has the perfect opportunity for a good night against Irving's shaky defense. Whoever wins this matchup will give their team a big advantage.
Prediction: Cavs win 98-87
Brooklyn is looking for their first signature victory of the season, but they often fail to play with effort needed to win. I expect them to come out strong, but Cleveland will respond and come back to grab an easy victory.
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