Note that the first two meetings in this series this season have totaled just 192 and 171 points, easily staying below the number we're dealing with tonight.
The Cavs had scored at least 100 points in three straight games prior to putting up 97 in a narrow one-point road win in Detroit on Wednesday. That game easily stayed below the closing total, and I expect to see them try to emulate that performance tonight.
Of course, the Cavs continue to soldier on without Kyrie Irving, so defensive play needs to take on a stronger emphasis. That's magnified here on the road, where Cleveland averages just 96.5 points per game on worse than 44% shooting.
The Nets have been playing some of their best defensive basketball of the season at home lately, limiting their last 10 opponents to fewer than 100 points.
Both teams enjoyed an off day on Thursday and I fully expect both to bring the proper level of intensity to the table at both ends of the floor, ultimately leading to a lower scoring game than the oddsmakers are anticipating on Friday night. Take the under (1*).