Preview: Nets at Cavaliers, Feb. 19, 2026 CLEVELAND (Interstat) — A surging Cleveland Cavaliers team will host the struggling Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in a matchup of teams at opposite ends of the Eastern Conference standings. The Cavaliers (34-21) enter on a five-game winning streak, having averaged 130.6 points per game during that stretch. They are coming off a dominant 138-113 victory over Washington on Feb. 11, where guard Sam Merrill erupted for 32 points. Merrill has been a key contributor, scoring 20 or more points in three of his last six appearances. Conversely, the Nets (15-38) have lost eight of their last 10 games. They fell 115-110 to Indiana in their most recent outing on Feb. 11 despite a strong performance from center Day’Ron Sharpe, who posted 19 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Sharpe has been a bright spot, averaging 14.3 points and 9.8 rebounds over his last 10 games, including three double-doubles. Cleveland won the season’s first meeting, 131-124, in Brooklyn on Oct. 24, 2025. The Cavaliers are installed as heavy 13.5-point favorites for Thursday’s rematch, with an over/under set at 225.5 points. The game begins a challenging back-to-back for both squads. Brooklyn travels to face Oklahoma City on Friday, while Cleveland visits Charlotte. For the Nets, slowing Cleveland’s high-powered offense, which has topped 124 points in four consecutive wins, will be the primary challenge. The Cavaliers will look to exploit their significant advantage in the standings and extend their win streak before embarking on a three-game road trip.