With the Brooklyn Nets scheduled to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the play-in, many will tune in to see how Kevin Durant and co. performs. Ahead of the Nets-Cavs game, we'll be making our Nets Play-In Tournament predictions.
The Nets came into the season among the favorites to win the title. Many things have changed since then, including their roster. Brooklyn started the campaign with an elite Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Irving didn't play for majority of the season due to the New York City vaccine mandate. This was the beginning of an eventful season full of turnover, with James Harden being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers at the deadline.
It was a shocking revelation when it was revealed that Harden wanted out of Brooklyn. The Nets quickly acted on it and acquired Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and Ben Simmons. Simmons has yet to see the floor, but he could return in the first round if the Nets make it that far.
Curry and Drummond have proven to be quality role players for Brooklyn. Nonetheless, Steve Nash's group will need to perform well from top to bottom to take down the Cavs, who have a well-rounded young roster.
With that said, here are four bold predictions for the Nets' 2022 NBA Play-In Tournaments versus the Cavs.
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Nets Play-In Tournament Bold Predictions
4. Kyrie Irving goes for 30 plus points
Since Irving returned to the court, he has shown why he is an elite point guard. In 29 games this season, Irving averaged 27.4 points per game along with 6.8 assists. He shot 46.9 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from deep.
Irving can give any team trouble with his scoring ability, especially a Cavs team missing their rim protector in Jarrett Allen. He can score at all three levels but excels at the rim. Irving should have a commanding performance, showcasing why he is one of the best point guards in the world.
3. Darius Garland gives Nets defensive problems
The weakness for Brooklyn all season long has been their defense. While the offense has been great, they have yet to figure things out on the defensive end. Their best defender in Simmons has yet to play, and Brooklyn lacks other elite defenders.
The guard position is the weakest for the Nets, as they have small veteran guards who have not been historically good defensively.
Arguably the best player on the Cavs is rising star guard Darius Garland. The 22-year-old made his first All-Star appearance this 2021-22 as he thrived as a scorer and playmaker.
Garland averaged 21.7 points per game paired with 8.6 assists. He shot a career-high 46.2 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three. With no solidified defender to lockdown Garland, he should give the Nets problems on defense with his all-around offensive ability.
2. Kevin Durant scores 40 plus points
Fans have seen it time and time again: Kevin Durant taking over in games when it matters most. Durant is one of the best scorers in NBA history with his unique skill set. He is a three-level scorer with a near un-blockable jump shot due to his size and length.
Durant missed time this season with a knee injury but was his dominant self when on the floor. He averaged 29.9 points per game, with 7.4 rebounds and a career-high 6.4 assists. He shot 51.8 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from downtown.
In a Play-In game with a lot on the line, Durant will show up and torch the Cavs' defense.
1. Nets dominate, advance to the first round
Although Brooklyn has gone through ups and downs this season, they still have a great team. Durant and Irving are surrounded by solid role players, which should be enough to defeat the young and inexperienced Cavs.
Allen's absence for the Cavs will help Brooklyn's offense attack the rim with more ease. It will also help them crash the glass, even with rookie phenom Evan Mobley still in the middle.
While the Nets didn't enter the season expecting to be in the play-in tournament, they still have a great shot at making a deep playoff run.
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