Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Live Game Thread: The Nets are back and (hopefully) here to stay

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (33-33) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (16-48)

WHAT: Another big game. The Nets are coming off a HUGE win over the Mavs, back at .500 and looking to pick up another key win over the lowly Cavs.

WHERE: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. EST

HOW: YES, FSO; NBA League Pass

THE STORY: Game Preview

The Cavaliers score 103.6 points per game, second lowest in the league. They don’t rebound well, they don’t play very good defense, and their best player has barely seen the floor this season. Kevin Love is who I’m talking about, by the way. He’s played in just 11 games so far this year, 7 of which have come since February. He’s averaging 18 points and 9.6 rebounds since returning and could pose a bit of a matchup problem for the Nets if he plays due to his size and skill set. However, he’s still on minutes restrictions.

The last time we saw these two play, we got a wild triple overtime contest with a final score of 148-139. It was a big win for the Nets, as they once again had to grab the win from the jaws of defeat. One of the most important factors in that game was DeMarre Carroll, who also played well against the Mavericks. DeMarre is one of the secret X-factors of this Nets team. If he’s hitting shots and playing engaged defense off the bench, this team just works and clicks so much better. Joe Harris and Allen Crabbe are both wings, but lean more towards a shooting guard size and skill set. DeMarre is a wing who has a lot of stretch 4 elements to his game, which is something the Nets have desperately needed.

For more on the Cavs, check out: Fear the Sword