The Brooklyn Nets are finally back after a week off. Will an upset take shape against Cleveland? Here's a preview.
The Brooklyn Nets return to the court for the first time in eight days.
Will the Nets be refreshed and rejuvenated? Or will this team look rusty?
Better question...is Brooklyn tempted to improve its NBA Draft Lottery projection?
The latter must be answered with a warning: Adam Silver and the league office will be watching. They've become vigilant across the NBA for anyone attempting to pull off "tanking." Already the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz got hammered and coughed up a combined $600,000 for "player participation violations."
That warning clearly hangs above the Nets' facility and hovers over the franchise in road games. Especially considering all the draft capital the Nets have at their disposal -- but still earning the chance to land No. 1.
But the Nets must resist any thought of "tanking." Including keeping games close despite the youth on their side.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez already has a younger roster in place. Even lead scorer Michael Porter Jr. acknowledged that this Nets team is built more for the future but accepts the vision moving forward. Furthermore, general manager Sean Marks earned a backer in NBA analyst Sam Quinn.
There are those sold on the vision of the Nets despite what the overall record shows. Perhaps there's no need to "tank" anyway considering how overmatched the rookies and other young players look each night.
Especially against the Thursday night opponent.
Cleveland has emerged as a new model of consistency and an annual threat for the Eastern Conference title. And now the Cavs added more athleticism and extra shooters from the bench via the Sacramento Kings -- landing Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroeder before the league's trade deadline.
Cleveland is the massive favorite here per FanDuel Sports: A 16.5-point favorite entering Rocket Arena.
Signs indicate this will be a one-sided contest. If anything, Nets fans can look forward perhaps a heavier load for newly required Ochai Agbaji, plus see the continued growth from the rookie duo of Nolan Traore and Egor Demin on the floor. But the team won't have top big Nic Claxton following a sprained ankle during Wednesday practice.
Once again the YES Network will provide coverage of the Nets contest. FanDuel Sports Ohio will air the game for Cavs fans. But fans who watch will see the Cavs either cover or surpass the spread.
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