Live Thread: Cavs at Nets

2015-03-27 Off By Ben Werth

Let’s hope Mozzy can still run after killing all those Brew Burgers.

The Nets host the streaking Cavaliers Friday night sitting only a half game out of the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. The NBA’s Sweet Sixteen might not be the same accomplishment as it is in NCAA ball, but Brooklyn would certainly feel better about themselves if they were to squeeze into the playoff picture. The Nets have been a particularly boring bunch this season, falling victim to injury and general comatose. Any team that relies too much on Deron Williams’ legs and the venerable Jarrett Jack is probably not going to strike fear into hearts around the league.

Still, with no high draft picks coming until the the end of this decade, the Nets would rather taste a first round sweep than vacation early. Brook Lopez is currently heading the Brooklyn charge. In the four games since the Cavaliers handed Brooklyn a twenty-five point loss, Lopez has averaged a gaudy 30.8 PPG, to go along with three and a half blocks per contest. His recent play is reminding the NBA how valuable a healthy Brook Lopez can be. There is a strong chance he will test the free agent market this summer if the bigman can finish out the remainder of the season in one piece. With Thaddeus Young out with a left knee strain, Deron Williams and Joe Johnson will look to help Lopez out on the offensive end.

In more entertaining news, the Wine and Gold come off their most impressive victory of the season. After completely dismantling a very strong Memphis team, Cleveland will try to win their fifth straight and nine of the last ten. The Cavaliers have done more than pass their difficult slate of games. They have played their best ball of the season. If the Cavs’ offense continues to whip the rock around the court like it has in recent games, the Nets will be at Cleveland’s mercy. Add in the much improved Cavalier defense, and it is hard to envision a victory for the home team.

It will be interesting to see how David Blatt defends Lopez in the post. Kevin Love did a decent job of limiting Marc Gasol without too much help. Timofey Mozgov treated Zach Randolph like a dinner served away from the Brew Garden. Z-Bo may have been swatted to the window.    Sound off.
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