Cavaliers Edge Nets in Close Contest
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Quick answers
Who won Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers beat Brooklyn Nets 125-121 at Rocket Arena on October 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -500 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at Rocket Arena, the Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly defeated the Brooklyn Nets with a final score of 125 to 121. This game was notable not only for its close finish but also because it marked the second game of the season for both teams, with the Cavaliers improving their record to 2-1 while the Nets fell to 0-3.
The Cavaliers entered the game with a home record of 1-1 and had been performing well overall, boasting a recent record of 7-3 in their last ten games. They had an average of 122.1 points scored and 118.4 points allowed during that stretch. However, they faced a setback in their previous outing against the Philadelphia 76ers, losing 106-114. Conversely, the Nets struggled significantly, with their away record standing at 0-3 and a disappointing overall record of 3-7 in their last ten games, averaging just 103.1 points scored while allowing 117.2 points.
Historically, the Cavaliers have had the upper hand in their series against the Nets, leading 1-0 this season and holding a 3-0 record in their last three meetings. Their previous encounters included a 112-84 victory at home on February 20, 2026, and a 106-102 win on March 1, 2026, both showcasing Cleveland's dominance.
In terms of injuries, the Nets were without Tyler Bilodeau, who was out due to a shoulder injury. This absence likely impacted their performance as they sought to find a rhythm against a Cavaliers team that was already formidable at home.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers favored at -11.5, indicating a strong expectation for their performance. The total for the game was set at 228.5, with odds of -115.0 for the over and -105.0 for the under. The moneyline reflected the Cavaliers as heavy favorites at -500.0, while the Nets were positioned at +380.0.
The game was played under typical conditions for an October evening, with both teams looking to establish their identities early in the season. Fans were treated to a showcase of talent, particularly in the fourth quarter, where the scoring plays intensified. Key moments included Chaney Johnson making a crucial 25-foot three-point jumper, and James Harden contributing significantly with free throws that kept the Nets in contention until the final moments.
The Cavaliers' victory came down to their ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the closing minutes. Sam Merrill's free throws sealed the game, ensuring that the Cavaliers maintained their lead and secured the win. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this early performance, with the Cavaliers aiming to solidify their standing and the Nets seeking to break their losing streak.
What we said beforehand
The Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Brooklyn Nets at Rocket Arena on October 24, 2026, in a matchup featuring two teams seeking their first win of the season. Both teams enter the game with a record of 0-1, making this fixture particularly compelling as they look to bounce back from their opening losses.
The Cavaliers' recent form has been challenging, having lost their last game against the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 114-106. In their last five games, they have recorded three losses and two wins, averaging 120.4 points scored and 119.4 points allowed. Notably, Donovan Mitchell has been a standout player for Cleveland, leading the team with an average of 32.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets have also struggled recently, losing their last four games. Their most recent defeat came against the Charlotte Hornets, where they fell 110-103. In their last five games, the Nets have managed only one win, averaging 100.4 points scored and allowing 116.8 points. Julius Randle has been a key player for Brooklyn, averaging 33.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
When analyzing home versus away performance, the Cavaliers have a strong home record of 4-0 in their last four home games, while the Nets have yet to secure a win on the road this season, holding an away record of 0-3. This home advantage could play a significant role in the outcome of the game.
Historically, the Cavaliers have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Nets, winning all three matchups in the 2026 season. Their last encounter took place on March 1, 2026, where the Cavaliers secured a narrow victory with a score of 106-102. This trend may provide the Cavaliers with additional confidence heading into this game.
In terms of injuries, the Nets will be without Tyler Bilodeau, who is out due to a shoulder injury. His absence could impact Brooklyn's performance, particularly in their offensive and defensive strategies.
The betting market reflects the Cavaliers as significant favorites, with DraftKings listing them at -11.5 on the spread and a moneyline of -500. The total points for the game is set at 228.5, with the over at -115.0 and the under at -105.0. This indicates that the market expects a competitive game, but with Cleveland likely to dominate.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how the Cavaliers utilize Donovan Mitchell's scoring ability and whether the Nets can find a way to counteract his impact. Additionally, the performance of both teams' defenses will be crucial, especially given their recent trends in points allowed. Overall, this matchup promises to be an intriguing battle as both teams seek to establish momentum early in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -11.5 | 228.5 o -115 / u -105 | Brooklyn Nets +380 · Cleveland Cavaliers -500 |
Injury report
- Tyler BilodeauOutShoulderBrooklyn Nets
Leaders
- PointsDonovan Mitchell22Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsJames Harden7Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsEvan Mobley10Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsMichael Porter Jr.28Brooklyn Nets
- AssistsEgor Demin6Brooklyn Nets
- ReboundsMichael Porter Jr.9Brooklyn Nets
Recent form
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L1122.1 scored · 118.4 allowed per game4-0 at home
- L106-114at Philadelphia 76ersOct 22
- W130-117vs Washington WizardsApr 12
- L102-124at Atlanta HawksApr 10
- W122-116vs Atlanta HawksApr 8
- W142-126at Memphis GrizzliesApr 7
- W117-108vs Indiana PacersApr 5
- W118-111at Golden State WarriorsApr 3
- L113-127at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
- W122-113at Utah JazzMar 31
- W149-128vs Miami HeatMar 27
Brooklyn Nets
Last 10: 3-7Streak L4103.1 scored · 117.2 allowed per game0-3 away
- L103-110vs Charlotte HornetsOct 21
- L101-136at Toronto RaptorsApr 12
- L108-125at Milwaukee BucksApr 11
- L94-123vs Indiana PacersApr 9
- W96-90vs Milwaukee BucksApr 7
- W121-115vs Washington WizardsApr 5
- L107-141vs Atlanta HawksApr 3
- L86-117vs Charlotte HornetsMar 31
- W116-99vs Sacramento KingsMar 29
- L99-116at Los Angeles LakersMar 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | - | 0 | W3 | 1.000 | 3 |
| Toronto | 0.5 | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| Boston | 1.5 | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| New York | 2.5 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
| Brooklyn | 2.5 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
| Detroit | - | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| Cleveland | 1 | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Indiana | 1 | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Chicago | 1 | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Milwaukee | 2.5 | 3 | L3 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Brooklyn Nets | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 39-97 | 40-79 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 20-49 | 16-38 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 42 |
| Free throws | 23-27 | 29-38 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 48 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 36 |
| Assists | 23 | 31 |
| Steals | 11 | 9 |
| Blocks | 1 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 23 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 23 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 46 |
| Fouls | 30 | 28 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 22 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 7 | 84 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter80-93Chaney Johnson makes running layup (Mikel Brown Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-96Donovan Mitchell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sam Merrill assists)
- 4th Quarter78-99Jaylon Tyson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mario Hezonja assists)
- 4th Quarter78-101Donovan Mitchell makes 22-foot pullup jump shot (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter80-101Josh Minott makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter80-104Jaylon Tyson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter83-104Mikel Brown Jr. makes 30-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter83-106Jaylon Tyson makes driving dunk (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter86-106Mikel Brown Jr. makes 33-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter91-106Egor Demin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Michael Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter91-108Evan Mobley makes layup (Tyrese Proctor assists)
- 4th Quarter94-108Egor Demin makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter97-108Egor Demin makes 26-foot running pullup jump shot (Julius Randle assists)
- 4th Quarter97-109James Harden makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter97-110James Harden makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter97-111Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-112Mario Hezonja makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-112Michael Porter Jr. makes 13-foot two point shot (Chaney Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter99-114Jarrett Allen makes 1-foot dunk (Evan Mobley assists)
- 4th Quarter99-116Jarrett Allen makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Peyton Watson assists)
- 4th Quarter102-116Egor Demin makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter103-116Egor Demin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter106-116Michael Porter Jr. makes 24-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter106-117Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-118Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-118Noah Clowney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-120Evan Mobley makes layup (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter108-120Egor Demin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-120Egor Demin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-120Julius Randle makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-120Julius Randle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-120Julius Randle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-120Chaney Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Egor Demin assists)
- 4th Quarter116-121James Harden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-122James Harden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-122Julius Randle makes driving dunk
- 4th Quarter118-123James Harden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-123Michael Porter Jr. makes 23-foot three pointer (Mikel Brown Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter121-124Sam Merrill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-125Sam Merrill makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours Brooklyn Nets.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsCourtney Kirkland, Eric Dalen, Suyash Mehta
Elsewhere
- Embiid posts triple-double with LeBron out to keep 76ers perfect in 127-116 win over Bucks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo fouls out vs. Hornets as Heat tumble to 0-3
- Brandon Miller scores 34 points as the Hornets beat the winless Heat 115-110
- Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets: Game Highlights
- Mavericks' Cooper Flagg out for home opener with mild left shoulder sprain
- 76ers' LeBron James to sit vs. Bucks in first game of back-to-back