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The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly eyeing a first-spherical matchup in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets as they undercover agent a deep postseason speed.
“No one at some stage in the group would assert this publicly—they in most cases must no longer,” Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported. “Nonetheless multiple of us I’ve spoken to only in the near previous are privately hoping for a Brooklyn matchup.”
The Cavaliers entered Friday fourth in the Jap Conference with a 44-28 assert, while the Nets sit in sixth with a 39-31 build. Cleveland would both desire to switch as much as the No. 3 seed or hope Brooklyn climbs to No. 5 to plan this matchup happen in the first spherical.
The Nets are undoubtedly much less fearsome after trading away perennial All-Stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving earlier than the alternate closing date. Ben Simmons furthermore hasn’t played since mid-February due to the support and knee components.
Mikal Bridges has emerged as an offensive power since coming from the Phoenix Suns, averaging 26.1 aspects in 15 games, but total the Nets are lacking broad name energy.
The Cavaliers would possibly maybe maybe most likely be favored on this matchup as they terminate a ambitious 2022-23 season. Donovan Mitchell has elevated the crew proper into a sound contender while younger avid gamers love Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland proceed to make stronger every season.
Whereas the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers all hold valuable extra playoff ride, the Cavaliers are as proficient as any individual in the NBA.
Finally, the Cavs doubtlessly must no longer be picky about their postseason matchup after falling immediate of the playoffs in every of the final four years. The Miami Warmth or Contemporary York Knicks can also signify a more difficult first-spherical battle, however the avid gamers and fans must peaceable be fully jubilant with their put it is no longer always if truth be told crucial what.
