Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction

Kyrie Irving returned from an unexpected seven-game personal pause and scored 37 during his first game alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden.

However, Brooklyn's Big 3 couldn't contain an in-form Collin Sexton, who scored a career-high 42 to lead by example as the Cavaliers earned a 147-135 double-overtime win in the early hours on Thursday.

Sexton made five three-pointers over the course of an eventful night's action and relished the challenge of going up against Irving while scoring 15 of his 42 in the second OT alone.

How will the Nets respond, having been down 12 early in the fourth quarter, after doing well to recover but still ultimately losing against one of the league's surprise packages so far this term?

There are plenty of questions and storylines to follow in the second instalment of this clash, which promises to be intriguing - even if not as exciting and unpredictable as their first. Read my basketball preview, for the best betting odds ahead of this compelling H2H matchup.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Preview

Sexton, who missed the Cavs' last five games with an ankle sprain, returned and didn't disappoint.

Cedi Osman, who had 25 points alongside seven rebounds and assists, said he was amazing. Irving couldn't help but be impressed either, admitting that he smiled when Sexton made those shots.

He looked unconscious at times with excellent shot-making, doing the utmost possible to cancel out the Durant-Harden-Irving trifecta. Durant had 38, Harden added 21 and Brooklyn's superstar trio combined for 96 points in their first game together.

They looked lost on defence at times, but first-year head coach Steve Nash called for perspective during his post-game interview, considering the circumstances:

"Look, this is the first night. We seemed a little lost at times, a little flat and disjointed.

Taurean Prince, who was acquired in the four-team deal which brought Harden to Brooklyn, scored 17 with seven rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes from the bench during a memorable Cavaliers debut.

After his 33-pt, 23-reb explosion during their narrow win over New York last weekend, Andre Drummond was relatively quiet (13 pts, seven rebs). Their 2020 no.5 draft pick Isaac Okoro was fouled out before 1OT ended, following a busy night where he struggled (8 pts on the 3-of-9 total, two turnovers).

Harden, Jeff Green and Sexton all had five personal fouls by the game's end. Still, the latter's contribution proved decisive as the Cavaliers never lost heart after seeing their lead evaporate. There's no doubting the Nets are a work in progress, but will they learn from their mistakes and avenge this defeat?

Sexton's backcourt partner Darius Garland (shoulder) could return in this matchup, having missed their last eight games. The 20-year-old second-year pro is averaging 17.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists so far this term.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Tips

ESPN's Basketball Power Index has predictably gone with Brooklyn to avenge their 2OT loss - unsurprising because Sexton's brilliance dragged the Cavaliers into that situation, to begin with, one they don't expect will happen as prominently again.

Brooklyn averages more points (both scored and allowed), a higher FG% (49.1 to 44.9), more rebounds, assists, blocks per game than their hosts this weekend in what should be another entertaining encounter.

Cleveland has a chance so long as they keep it competitive, such as the Nets' suspect defence, but after Brooklyn's star trio played together for the first time, things should start to even themselves out.

Simply put, the likes of reserve guard Timothy Luwawu-Cabarrot (0-of-6 in 12 mins) and sharpshooting forward Joe Harris (2-of-10, 9 rebs, six pts) should shoot better as Nash's men look to even themselves out on the road - they're currently 2-3 away from home.