Cavaliers, Nets put three-game winning streaks on the line

On December 20th, Vince Carter had 38 points, six rebounds and five assists as the Nets knocked off the Cavaliers, 113-111, at Continental Airlines Arena.

New Jersey has lost three of five and six of its last nine at Cleveland. The Nets have won six of the last eight contests in this series.

The Nets won their third straight game on Friday. Jason Kidd hit a pair of clutch baskets in the final minute of play, as New Jersey rallied past the Chicago Bulls, 91-86, at Continental Airlines Arena.

Kidd ended with 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in the win over Chicago for the Nets, who overcame an 18-0 deficit to start the game. Vince Carter had a team-high 21 points, while Richard Jefferson netted 18 New Jersey, which has won 10 in a row at home against the Bulls.

New Jersey is just 4-8 on the road this season. The Nets are scheduled to host the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday at the Meadowlands.

Cleveland also enters tonight’s contest on a three-game winning streak. Drew Gooden scored 31 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Cavaliers beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 95-86, at the Bradley Center despite a season-low eight points from superstar LeBron James.

Larry Hughes scored 22 points for the Cavaliers, who have won six of their last seven games overall. Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 11 points, grabbed eight boards, and blocked five shots for Cleveland.

The Cavaliers are 14-3 at home this season. After tonight’s contest, they will embark on a season-long seven-game road trip. Cleveland is scheduled to visit Sacramento, Phoenix, the Clippers, Seattle, Portland, Denver and Golden State on the upcoming swing.