Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 27, 2024

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets is one of many loaded games on the NBA slate for Friday. One team will look to continue its dominant start to the season, while the other is aiming to stay above .500.

Even after this historic undefeated streak ended, the Cavaliers have continued rolling in the Easter Conference. They are 9-1 over their last 10 games and have the league's best record at 26-4.

As for the Nuggets, they enter Friday hoping to bounce back from their Christmas Day loss to Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns. Nikola Jokic continues to be one of the best individual performers in the association, but the Nuggets only find themselves in fifth place in a hypercompetitive Western Conference.

This matchup will be the second and final game between these two teams this season. They last faced off on Dec. 5, with the Cavaliers winning 126-114. Tip-off is slated for 9:00 PM Eastern Time.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets: Predicition odds and betting tips

Here is a look at what the betting lines look like heading into this rematch between the Cavaliers and Nuggets.

Spread: Cavaliers -2.5 (-112) vs Nuggets +2.5 (-108)

Moneyline: Cavaliers (-152) vs Nuggets (+128)

Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) vs Under 236 (-110)

*Editor's note: Betting odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter this matchup with a ton of momentum, currently riding a five-game win streak. They've also had a good amount of rest, last playing on Monday against the Utah Jazz.

After making a coaching change this offseason, Cleveland continues to look like one of the best teams in the NBA. They have a backcourt loaded with firepower and a frontcourt that has done a fine job anchoring their defense. Offense has been the side of the floor they've thrived the most on, as they currently sit atop the NBA in offensive rating at 121.0.

On the Nuggets side, they enter Friday 2-2 over their last four games. Nikola Jokic is putting together a historic season, but the depth around him has been questionable at times. Their up-and-down play has resulted in many calling for the Nuggets to make a big change before the February trade deadline.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets predicted starting 5s

Cavaliers

PG - Darius Garland, SG - Donovan Mitchell, SF - Sam Merrill, PF - Evan Mobley, C - Jarrett Allen

Nuggets

PG - Jamal Murray, SG - Christian Braun, SF - Michael Porter Jr., PF - Peyton Watson, C - Nikola Jokic

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets betting tips

Between their recent hot streak and added rest, the Cavaliers are the much safer bet in this matchup. Plus, with their combination of Mobley and Allen, they're one of few teams with the personnel to frustrate Jokic.

Seeing that Cleveland secured a double-digit victory last time around, they should easily cover the tight spread (-2.5) in this matchup.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets prediction

All signs point towards the Cavaliers walking out with their second win of the month against the Nuggets. Barring a massive triple-double performance from Jokic, Denver doesn't have the firepower to keep up.

Being without Aaron Gordon in this game is a big loss for the Nuggets. With minimal bigger bodies to put on him, Mobley should consistently have a mismatch the Cavaliers can exploit. If they're able to get him going offensively, Cleveland should cruise to a victory.