The Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers square off at Barclays Center on Tuesday to tip off the play-in tournament.
In a highly anticipated clash, the winner will claim the seventh place and will go on to face the Boston Celtics in the opening round of the playoffs.
On the other hand, whoever loses will have a second chance to make it to the postseason, facing the winner of the Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Hornets game. Whoever finishes eighth will take on the Miami Heat in the playoffs.
The two teams finished the regular season with identical records (44-38), but Brooklyn held the tiebreaker. The Nets won the season series 3-1.
Brooklyn and Cleveland collide for the second time in just 5 days. Last Friday, the Nets protected their home court and defeated the Cavs (107-118).
According to Brooklyn head coach Steve Nash, this game helped both teams understand what they need to do to win the play-in game. “It’s helpful for both teams. It’s whoever plays better will win,” Nash said, via NBA.com.
The Nets will be in full force, as Seth Curry and Goran Dragic are good to go. The squad has already ruled Ben Simmons out, but the former All-Star could make his season debut in the playoffs.
On the other hand, big man Jarrett Allen will be out, as he is still dealing with a broken left middle finger he sustained on March 6.
He missed the last 18 regular season games, with the Cavs going 7-11 in that stretch. Allen had an intense workout before Sunday’s season finale and is no longer wearing a splint. If the Cavs reach the playoffs, he is expected to return to action.
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