Cavaliers plus 3 1/2 hosting Nets
It’s youth versus the veterans and I see youth prevailing to get the cover if not outright victory.
The Cavaliers are full of young, promising players. It’s Year 3 of the post LeBron era and the Cavaliers are ready to step up and contend for a playoff spot – if Kyrie Irving and Anderson Varejao can stay healthy.
Right now those two are healthy making Cleveland a dangerous home ‘dog in this situation. The Nets are loaded with veterans and a new head coach, Jason Kidd. He just retired after last season. This would have been his head coaching debut, but he’s suspended for the first two games of the season.
It’s going to take a while for the Nets’ veterans to get adjusted to each other. The list includes Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, Brook Lopez and Andrei Kirilenko. That list would be impressive if those guys were in their prime, but most are not.
Kirilenko isn’t likely to play because of back spasms. Point guard Williams will give it a go. He’s been hampered by an ankle injury that allowed him to plus just 29 minutes during preseason. Williams hasn’t had enough time to develop any rhythm and chemistry yet with his new teammates.
Williams also has to match up against Irving, who has become a superstar and gives Cleveland a big edge at a key position. Cleveland’s defense is going to be better under Mike Brown, who was miscast during his time as Lakers head coach. He’s back now with the Cavaliers and it’s a good fit.
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