Brooklyn Nets (20-34) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (44-10)
Game Info: Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Barclays Center)
Betting Odds: Brooklyn Nets +13 -- Over/Under: 226 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: YES
The Cleveland Cavaliers (44-10) are set to face the Brooklyn Nets (20-34) on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Cavaliers, leading the Eastern Conference, are on a four-game winning streak, while the Nets, currently 12th in the conference, have won their last three games.
The Cavs are coming off 131-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors on February 12, all five starters scored in double figures. Donovan Mitchell led with 21 points, supported by Darius Garland's 15 points and eight assists. The Cavaliers established dominance early, outscoring the Raptors 41-17 in the first quarter.
The Nets are on a three-game winning streak, including a 100-96 win against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 12. D’Angelo Russell led with 22 points, while Cameron Johnson added 16 points and six rebounds. Despite trailing by 11 points in the first half, the Nets rallied to secure the victory.
Evan Mobley Over 16.5 Points
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley has played 48 games in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 18.5 points per game. In addition to his scoring, Mobley contributes 9.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. His field goal percentage stands at 56.9%, ranking 13th in the league. Notably, Mobley was selected as a reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, highlighting his significant impact this season.
Evan Mobley has been doing it all for the Cavs this season. When it comes to a scoring perspective we've seen him score 27 or more points and three of his last four games. Jarrett Allen has been doing the dirty work securing rebounds whereas Evan Mobley has been more of a scorer between the big men on this Cavs team. This Nets defense is nothing to write home about and I don't know who is going to stop Mobley in the paint.
Cameron Johnson Over 17.5 Points
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson has played 39 games in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 19.1 points per game. In addition to his scoring, Johnson contributes 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. His field goal percentage stands at 48.8%, and he has a three-point shooting percentage of 41.3%. Johnson's performance has attracted attention, with reports indicating that he has emerged as a prime trade candidate, attracting significant interest from other NBA teams.
Cam Johnson has failed to get over seventeen points in three of his first four games coming back from injury but now that he's had ample time to rest over the All-Star break I expect to see Cam Johnson improve his scoring numbers as the season goes on. With Cam Thomas still being sidelined for the Brooklyn Nets Cam Johnson will need to step up in a big way. If the Nets want any chance to stay close in this game Cam Johnson will need the ball in his hands.
Nic Claxton Over 10.5 Points
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has played 47 games in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 10.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His field goal percentage stands at 54.6%, ranking 16th in the league. Despite these solid statistics, Claxton has faced criticism for not fully meeting the expectations set by his $97 million contract extension. He has acknowledged areas for improvement, including rebounding, free-throw shooting, rim protection, and offensive aggression.
Claxton has scored 10 or more points and eight of his last 10 games and he is slowly showing improvements from a scoring perspective for this Nets team. He has a tough matchup going against the Cleveland Cavs but by just looking at his recent numbers the fact that we could get plus money at this 10.5 line is too hard to pass up on.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
