The Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets took opposite paths to get here, but the winner will earn the right to face the No. 2-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round and the loser moving on to an elimination game on Friday against the winner of Wednesday’s matchup between the Hornets and Hawks. Entering the fourth quarter, it is the Nets who remain on top with a matchup against the Celtics on the line.
The Nets were expected to compete for the No. 1 seed as the preseason title favorite, but an injury to Durant, Irving’s vaccination status and an unexpected trade demand from James Harden led them to the No. 7 seed. Now, they will have to play their way into the postseason if they hope to live up to those preseason expectations.
The Cavs, on the other hand, had meager expectations after finishing with the fourth-worst record in the NBA last season. They’ve been a tremendous story, led by breakout performances from Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and rookie Evan Mobley, along with a tremendous defensive turnaround sparked by head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Follow along below as CBS Sports provides live updates on the matchup between Cleveland and Brooklyn.