Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland-cavaliers Picks and Predictions December 16th 2024

Cleveland’s Historic Start Under Atkinson

Kenny Atkinson, now the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, returns to Brooklyn where he first served as an NBA head coach from 2016 to 2020. Atkinson’s Cavaliers have matched their best-ever start, winning 22 of their first 26 games—a feat previously achieved only in the 2008-09 season.

Atkinson’s Cavaliers are riding high after a thrilling 115-105 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday. Cleveland offset a season-low 39.6 percent shooting performance by getting to the foul line 40 times and converting 28 free throws.

“We can be better,” said Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, who leads the team with 27.3 points per game. “We’re not a finished product. We’re working on becoming more consistent on both ends of the floor.”

Brooklyn Nets: Searching for Defensive Stability

The Brooklyn Nets enter Monday’s matchup looking to fix their defensive struggles. Brooklyn is 1-5 in its past six games, surrendering an average of 115.7 points during that stretch. The team has allowed opponents to shoot at least 50 percent in four of those six games, including a 135-119 loss to Memphis on Friday.

“We just didn’t deserve to win,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “When you allow 135 points, it’s clear where the problem lies—our defense.”

Brooklyn remains without leading scorer Cam Thomas, who has missed seven games due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, the Nets are also adjusting after trading Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors for De’Anthony Melton (out for the season with an ACL injury), Reece Beekman, and three second-round picks.

Key Players to Watch

Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)

Mitchell has been the centerpiece of Cleveland’s offense, averaging 27.3 points per game while shooting 47.8 percent from the field. His ability to take over games has been critical to the Cavs’ success, particularly in close matchups.

Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers)

Former Nets center Jarrett Allen anchors Cleveland’s defense with 10.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He will be pivotal in controlling the paint against Brooklyn’s big men.

Mikal Bridges (Nets)

Brooklyn’s top scorer in Thomas’ absence, Mikal Bridges has stepped up with consistent offensive production. Bridges will need to be at his best to match Cleveland’s firepower.

Cavaliers’ Dominance vs. Nets’ Resilience

The Cavaliers already beat the Nets 105-100 earlier this season, overcoming a 12-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. Cleveland outscored Brooklyn 35-18 in the final period to secure the win, marking their 11th victory during a 15-game win streak to start the season.

Brooklyn will aim to leverage its home-court advantage, though its defense must improve significantly to slow down Cleveland’s high-powered offense.

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Prediction

Cleveland’s balanced roster, defensive consistency, and the leadership of Atkinson make them the favorites heading into Monday’s matchup. While Brooklyn has home-court advantage, its defensive woes and the absence of Cam Thomas could prove too much to overcome.

Final Score Prediction: Cavaliers 112, Nets 101