Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 5, 2024

The Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers matchup is one of the eight NBA games scheduled for Thursday. These are two of the best teams in the league but Cleveland has performed substantially better this season.

The Cavaliers have the best record in the league at 19-3, while Denver is eighth in the West with a 11-8 record.

The two teams have faced each other 98 times in the regular season, with the Nuggets leading the series 54-44. They met twice last season and split the series. Their most recent meeting was on March 31, a game that Nuggets dominated 130-101 behind Nikola Jokic’s 26 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists. Evan Mobley led Cleveland with 23 points.

Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers game details and odds

The Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers game is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The game will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV. It will also air locally on FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio and ALT2/KUSA. Fans can also stream it live on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Nuggets (+155) vs. Cavaliers (-185)

Spread: Nuggets (+4) vs. Cavaliers (-4)

Total (O/U): Nuggets -110 (o238) vs. Cavaliers -110 (u238)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers preview

The Nuggets haven’t nearly been as good as many expected them to be. They have won just five of their past 10 games and are still struggling for consistency. They are, however, coming off of a 119-115 win against the Golden State Warriors in an Emirates NBA Cup game on Tuesday.

Nikola Jokic was prolific yet again with 38 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, while Michael Porter Jr. played the perfect second fiddle with 22 points.

The Cavaliers started the season 15-0 but have cooled off recently. They are currently on a two-game win streak and are coming off of a 118-87 blowout win in an NBA Cup game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.

It was a mixed effort as seven players scored in double digits, including four of the starters. Evan Mobley stood out with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting props

Nikola Jokic’s points total is set at 28.5, which is under his season average of 30.1 points. He has also scored 28 points or more in four of the past five games. Bet on the over here.

Donovan Mitchell’s point total is set at 26.5, which is higher than his season average of 24.3 points. He has also scored 26 points or less in three of the past five games. With Mitchell expected to be Denver’s primary defensive assignment, bet on the under here.

Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction

The oddsmakers slightly favor the Cavs to win at home. We, however, predict an upset and Jokic to take over the game and get a statement win for Denver. While this should be a moderately high-scoring game, the team total should stay under 238 points.