Cleveland is well-rested, having been off since Friday, and All-Star big man Jarrett Allen, a former Net, is expected to return from a four-game absence. I was playing the Cavs if he was back and wasn't if not. Allen has posted a team-high 29 double-doubles, tied for 17th-most in the NBA. He is the only player in the East shooting at least 60% from the field and averaging at least 14 points. Allen is not expected to be on any minutes restriction. Brooklyn has dropped three in a row.

I'm riding with the public and taking the road favorite as I think Brooklyn is simply outmatched. Both teams have plenty for which to play, and this very well could be a back-and-forth affair, but it'll ultimately be Donovan Mitchell and company that pull away from a Nets team that has lost three in a row. It's also notable that the Cavaliers, who are trying to secure fourth place in the Eastern Conference, haven't played since Friday.

Darius Garland is coming off a 24-point outing against the Wizards in which he was the leading scorer for Cleveland. On the season Garland’s best performance came against the Brooklyn Nets, in which he scored a season-high 46 points. Cam Thomas is now getting minutes for Brooklyn again after getting 22 minutes in Sunday’s loss to Denver. His presence on the floor is a defensive liability and it boosts Cleveland’s offensive efficiency. Play Garland Over 21.5 points.

Evan Mobley has quickly emerged as one of the best two way players in the NBA. The scintillating sophomore is versatile on both ends of the court and can certainly stuff the stat sheet when Cleveland runs their offense through him. Mobley especially thrives on the defensive end, where his versatility and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions at a high level, while providing elite rim protection. He is a big reason why the Cavs possess the top rated defense in the NBA. Mobley has eclipsed this combo line in 8 of his last 13 games and 7 of 11 games he has played without Jarrett Allen. The Nets give up the fifth most points and second most rebounds to opposing Centers as well.