Cavs Nets Series Predictions

As the Cavs/Nets Eastern Conference Semifinal series heads to the Meadowlands the big question now is if the Nets can come back from a 0-2 hole. I think most all of us besides you die-hard New Jersey boys, who also probably bleed for the Scarlet Knights, will say no. So our next question then is if New Jersey will go down fighting. My answer is that they have no reason not to. Over the last three seasons, the Nets have won 10 of 13 games against the Cavs including a 4-1 home record. New Jersey still has the huge edge in playoff experience as well. However, the run and gun Nets which rolled into the postseason were slowed by the Raptors in their first round series. It is obvious that the Cavaliers are fresher and winning six straight playoff games has boosted Lebron James’ confidence even more.

New Jersey appeared to just play in game one as if they were feeling out the Cavs and the Cavs dominated with defense holding the Nets to just 77 points. The Nets realized they needed to pick up the tempo in game two, but Cleveland was able to match them run for run. What should we expect for the rest of the series?

We can expect New Jersey to play much better at home especially considering that the Cavs are just a .500 road club. But at the same time, I don’t feel as if Cleveland is playing as well as it can. I don’t see New Jersey being able to steal even a single game at Cleveland. That’s how much better defensively the Cavs are than the Nets. The Nets’ best chance would be to sell out to a completely up-tempo game the way Phoenix does. Jason Kidd has the ability to do what Steve Nash does, but the difference is that New Jersey doesn’t have an Amare Stoudemire. They do have a Vince Carter and a Richard Jefferson who can thrive on the break, but ultimately age and lack of depth keeps the Nets from being the Phoenix Suns of the East.

The Nets will be lucky to get this thing to six games. I will be completely shocked if Cleveland can’t get one of two in the Meadowlands and then end it back at home.

Make sure you’re on board for all of Jimmy Boyd’s series winners and stay tuned for more upcoming 2007 NBA Playoff predictions.

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Updated May 7th, 2007