The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to the Barclays Center to battle the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday in NBA action. Let’s break this game down and give out a free pick and prediction. 

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to rebound from a disappointing season where they racked up 51 wins in the regular season, only to lose 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs. The Cavaliers were busy in the offseason as they added Max Strus from the Heat and Georges Niang from the 76ers, but a lot of their success still remains on the backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Mitchell had a strong regular season where he averaged 28.3 points per game, but don’t be surprised if he increases his scoring in his second year with his new team. 

Brooklyn Nets Betting Preview

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets were good enough to win 45 games last season, only to get swept by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. The Nets made plenty of moves in the offseason as they traded away Seth Curry, Joe Harris, Yuta Watanabe and Patty Mills, while acquiring Dennis Smith Jr and Lonnie Walker IV. The Nets are still without a star on their team, but it’s going to be interesting to see how a rejuvenated Ben Simmons and Mikal Bridges fare alongside Spencer Dinwiddie and Nic Claxton. 

Peter’s Pick

The Cavaliers will be itching to get back on the court after getting swept in the playoffs last season and there’s no reason they shouldn’t win over 50 games again, especially with Mitchell playing his second season with his new team. The Nets are coming into this one with low expectations given all the players they’ve lost, but they are positioning themselves to potentially land a star or two, so they could be a surprise team come playoff time. There’s a lot to be optimistic about for both teams, but I prefer the look of the Cavaliers to start the season and I think they can get it done in this spot at this short line.