Cavaliers vs. Nuggets Predictions & Picks: Can Cleveland Extend Their Win Streak

Cleveland Cavaliers (26-4 SU, 21-9 ATS) vs. Denver Nuggets (16-12 SU, 11-16 ATS)

When: Friday, December 27th, 9:00 PM (ET)

Where: Ball Arena, CO, Denver

TV: ALT

Point Spread: Cle -2.5/Den +2.5

Total: 236.5

Money Line: Cleveland Cavaliers -135/+114

Notable Injuries

Cavaliers

• Dean Wade (Questionable) Knee
• Isaac Okoro (Out) Shoulder

Nuggets

• Aaron Gordon (Out) Calf
• Jamal Murray (Probable) Ankle
• Vlatko Cancar (Out) Knee
• DaRon Holmes II (Out) Achilles

At 9:00 ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers will travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets at Ball Arena. The Cavaliers are favored by 2.5 points and have a moneyline of -135. The over/under line for the game is set at 236.5.

This non-conference matchup can be seen on ALT.

Recent Form

The Cavaliers improved to 26-4 this season with a 124-113 win over the Jazz on Monday. Cleveland was favored by 14 points at home, but Utah kept it closer than expected. The total score of 237 points went over the 232.5-point line.

Cleveland led 29-27 after the 1st quarter and 60-56 at halftime. They pulled away in the 3rd, outscoring Utah 39-32 to take a 99-88 lead into the 4th, where both teams scored 25 points.

Denver’s season record dropped to 16-12 after a 110-100 loss to the Suns on Wednesday. The Nuggets, who were -2.5 point favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 210, well under the O/U line of 231.5.

Denver trailed 38-34 after the 1st quarter but tightened things up in the 2nd, outscoring Phoenix 22-20. However, the Suns pulled away in the 3rd, and Denver couldn’t close the gap in the 4th, where they were down 85-78 entering the final period.

The Historicals

In terms of betting, Denver has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous five matchups vs Cleveland. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +4 points per game in favor of the Nuggets. Cleveland and Denver averaged a combined 230 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 5-0.

Analysis

The Cavaliers connected on 20 threes, shooting 43.5% from deep in their win over the Jazz. Overall, they shot 47.3% from the field.

Darius Garland led the way with 23 points, while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley each added 22. Sam Merrill chipped in 14 of his 20 points in the 3rd quarter.

Defensively, the Cavaliers gave up 113 points to the Jazz but managed to hold them to 25 points in the 4th quarter, helping secure the win. Cleveland allowed Utah to shoot 41% from the field.

The Cavaliers struggled to defend the three, with the Jazz hitting 19 threes at a 43% clip. Cleveland sent Utah to the line 26 times, with the Jazz converting 18 free throws. The Cavaliers also recorded 10 steals and three blocks.

In their 110-100 loss to the Suns, the Nuggets struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just eight threes at a 27.6% clip. Their overall field goal percentage was 46.2%, which was below their season average.

Nikola Jokić led the way with 25 points and 15 rebounds, scoring 15 of his points in the 1st quarter. Michael Porter Jr. added 22 points, while Russell Westbrook contributed 17.

Despite a strong defensive effort in the 2nd quarter, where they held the Suns to just 20 points, the Nuggets couldn’t overcome a rough 1st quarter, giving up 38 points in their 110-100 loss. Denver allowed Phoenix to shoot 46% from the field but did well from beyond the arc, limiting the Suns to 11 threes on 30% shooting.

The Nuggets sent the Suns to the line 20 times, with Phoenix converting 17 free throws. Denver secured 32 defensive rebounds but allowed 12 offensive boards. They finished with three steals and two blocks.

Betting Trends

• In their last five road games, Cleveland has averaged 115 points per game while allowing 112. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
• Although Denver has a straight-up record of 3-2 in their last five home games, they have not held up as well vs. the spread going 2-3. The team averaged 125 points per game in these games.
• As the betting underdog, the Nuggets have an ATS record of 4-1 in their last five games. In these matchups, their straight-up record was 4-1.
• As the betting favorite, the Cavaliers have an ATS record of 3-2 in their last five games. In these matchups, their straight-up record was 5-0.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Since falling to the Heat on December 8th, the Cavs didn’t waste any time starting up a new win streak, rattling off five straight. Tonight, they are favored by -2.5 points vs the Nuggets. Although they are on the road, I would like Cleveland to win and cover, as the absence of Aaron Gordon is going to be a big deal tonight. I’m taking Cleveland at -2.5.