The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets open their 2023-24 NBA regular seasons Wednesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cavaliers vs. Nets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Cavaliers won 2-1 last season
The Cavaliers bolstered their roster in the offseason, re-signing G Caris LeVert, while upgrading at the 3 with SF Max Strus coming over from Miami in a sign-and-trade deal. Watch rookie SF Emoni Bates, a 2nd round pick, who could surprise, too.
The Nets tried to make a “Big 3” in recent seasons, but it ended up being more of a big mess instead. Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving are now all elsewhere. More team-oriented and defensive-minded players like Mikal Bridges, Dorian Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson join the underrated Spencer Dinwiddie in the borough. It might not have the flashy names and big-time followings, but there is a lot less baggage, too.