Three things to know as the Cavaliers look to get on the winning track against Nets

CAN WE CALL THIS A BOUNCE BACK?

On paper, this should be the easier of the two games from the Cavs’ New York business trip. Even if Kenny Atkinson’s side is still experimenting with different lineups due to injuries, they should still be favorites to tick the win column.

As is already known, Darius Garland and Max Strus are out, with De’Andre Hunter listed as questionable as he still recovers from his knee injury sustained in the preseason. Understandably, at this early stage, the Cavs are in no rush to force him back into the rotation.

Despite a roster littered with youth and raw ability, the Nets found solace in their veterans in the loss to Charlotte on opening night.

Nic Claxton scored 17 points, and Cam Thomas added 15 in the loss. Brooklyn is also without Haywood Highsmith (knee) (knee), Drake Powell (ankle) and Danny Wolf (ankle), so both teams are light. For Cleveland, they will smell blood, but can their second and third-string team rise to the occasion?

BUT ONE PLAYER DOES HAVE TO BOUNCE BACK…

It turned out the bright lights of New York were too much for Jarrett Allen. On one of the most hallowed hardwoods in the NBA, Allen never got into any groove and was unable to assist Donovan Mitchell, who had 31 points and Evan Mobley, who amassed 22 points along with eight boards.

Mustering a meagre four points and four rebounds on a night where Cleveland needed him to crash the boards, get some second chance opportunities and protect the paint, Allen failed the first test.

A player of his ability, his calibre – he’s unlikely not to repeat that performance.

WILL WE SEE MORE OF TYRESE PROCTOR?

Playing more than 15 minutes, rookie Tyrese Proctor showed hustle, didn’t look intimidated by the bright lights of the Garden, and put on a polished performance that will have coach Atkinson pleased with how he handled his NBA debut.

The 6’5” guard moved well without the ball and defended strongly, at times halting the Knicks’ transition, and despite a weakened roster, didn’t get trigger-happy even though, at brief moments, he was presented with chances.

Against a team projected to be languishing near the basement of the standings, could we see more of this promising rookie? Only two games in, this is Atkinson’s chance to give him more minutes before the roster becomes stronger and adjusts as the campaign gets deeper.