The innocent fun of the All-Star festivities is over. The NBA regular season begins the home stretch with a terrific matchup between the Nuggets and Cavaliers in Cleveland on Thursday.
Both teams are clearly playoff contenders, but their regular season objectives differ. Denver wants to defend first place in the West for home court-advantage. Cleveland will be a postseason squad, but it’s unclear where they’ll sit in the East, so they need all the wins they can tally.
The oddsmakers have pegged the Cavaliers as slight -2 favourites on said NBA odds and deemed the over-under to be 221.5
Nuggets vs. Cavaliers NBA Betting Odds
No side has a considerable advantage when looking at the last seven meetings, with Cleveland holding a slight 4-3 lead. It was trimmed from 4-2 earlier this year on Jan. 6 when the Nuggets defended home court as they often do by defeating the Cavs 121-108. Of note, the four previous regular seasons handed each side two sweeps.
Denver sits atop the Western Conference with a five-game cushion. They also sport the most efficient field goal shooting in the NBA and a top-10 offence as far as points scored per game are concerned. They’ll need all of those advantages down the stretch as some massively refurbished conference rivals aspire to first place. As great as Michael Malone’s squad is at home (27-4), they’re a .500 basketball club when playing away (14-14). Heading into Cleveland (25-6 at home) will be a tough challenge.
What a difference a season makes. What a difference a key off-season acquisition makes! The Cavaliers, now with Donovan Mitchell, are no longer a play-in side but rather hope for a top-four finish in the East. Interestingly, they look like the flip side of the Nuggets. They don’t score much (26th in points per game) but it’s incredibly difficult to score on them (fewest points conceded per outing, league-wide). In fact, one of their few defensive weaknesses is something Denver doesn’t even excel at: three-point shooting.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets will look to pick up where they left off prior to All-Star Weekend. Denver strung together three consecutive victories, one of which came against a rival that hopes to rise in the standings before the season closes.
The Dallas Mavericks were in town last Thursday night, albeit without their new weapon Kyrie Irving, who was nursing a back injury. While the game’s outcome went the way most expected – a Denver victory – the manner in which it transpired raised eyebrows. Witnessing Nikola Jokic earn another triple-double (14 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists) is impressive, but not necessarily unexpected. Rather, it was the stalwart journeyman Jeff Green who caught everyone off guard, including Dallas. He came off the bench for 24 points off 11-15 shooting, regularly slinking his way into the paint to receive passes from Jokic. Denver pounded Dallas in the paint, outscoring them, 64-38, en route to a 118-109 win.
As of this writing, Aaron Gordon is listed as Out.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Conversely, Cleveland will be given a new opportunity to test their metal against one of the NBA’s stronger sides when Denver comes to town Thursday. They failed just before the extended break, falling to the Philadelphia 76ers 118-112.
It was an unhabitual performance from J. B. Bickerstaff’s unit for two quarters. By the time the clubs headed to their locker rooms for a break, Philly had stormed to a 63-38 lead. Not only was Cleveland’s attack even worse than its usual average self, but the defence had collapsed. At one point the hosts led by as many as 28. The Cavs would not be deterred, making an honourable comeback in the final two periods to close the gap to as little as four points late in the game. Even though Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland had decent nights offensively (33 and 27 points, respectively), all five starters ended the game with negative point differentials.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Nuggets vs. Cavaliers?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 21 Feb 3:06pm | DEN | -2.5 -110 | O +221.5 -110 |
| Closing 23 Feb 11:51pm | DEN | -3 -113 | O +223.5 -115 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
28.26 |
| Assists |
7.8 |
| Rebounds |
9.79 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.46 |
| Blocks |
1.51 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
23.2 |
| Assists |
7.2 |
| Rebounds |
10 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
2 |
| Blocks |
1.2 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Cavaliers Team Leaders
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points |
28.26 |
| Assists |
7.8 |
| Rebounds |
9.79 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.46 |
| Blocks |
1.51 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
| Points |
23.2 |
| Assists |
7.2 |
| Rebounds |
10 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
2 |
| Blocks |
1.2 |
Injuries
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Aaron Gordon (PF)
Jeff Green (SF)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Reggie Jackson (PG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Cedi Osman (SF)
Jarrett Allen (C)
Darius Garland (PG)
Caris LeVert (SG)
Dylan Windler (SG)
Jarrett Allen (C)
Isaac Okoro (SF)
Dean Wade (SF)
Danny Green (SG)
Raul Neto (PG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Ques Fri | Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 | 2-1 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Tues | Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 | 6-3 | 3-6 | + - |
|
Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Thurs | Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 3-7 | + - |
|
Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns. |
|||||
| Aaron Gordon (PF) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jeff Green (SF) | Prob Sun | Face - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Sun | Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sun | Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) | Prob Sun | Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Reggie Jackson (PG) | Prob Sun | Back - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sat | Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 | 14-9 | 11-11-1 | + - |
|
Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedi Osman (SF) | Prob Fri | Ankle - 20 / 04 / 23 | 1-2 | 0-3 | + - |
|
Osman is battling a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will take on the Knicks in Game 3 in the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Jarrett Allen (C) | Prob Sun | Groin - 05 / 04 / 23 | 2-4 | 1-6 | + - |
|
Allen missed the last contest with a right groin strain, but it is forecasted that he will play against the Hornets on Sunday. |
|||||
| Darius Garland (PG) | Prob Sat | Leg - 05 / 04 / 23 | 2-4 | 1-6 | + - |
|
Garland is nursing a left lower-leg contusion, but it is expected that he will face the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Caris LeVert (SG) | Prob Sat | Knee - 05 / 04 / 23 | 2-4 | 1-6 | + - |
|
LeVert is dealing with right knee soreness, but it is likely that he will partake in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Knicks. |
|||||
| Dylan Windler (SG) | Out indefinitely | Foot - 01 / 04 / 23 | 2-6 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Windler is idle with a left foot sprain, and there is no timetable for recovery. |
|||||
| Jarrett Allen (C) | Ques Sun | Groin - 27 / 03 / 23 | 4-6 | 2-9 | + - |
|
Allen has sat out the last two contests due to a right groin strain, leaving his availability for Sunday's battle with the Pacers up in the air. |
|||||
| Isaac Okoro (SF) | Prob Sat | Knee - 26 / 03 / 23 | 4-7 | 3-9 | + - |
|
Okoro has been idle with left knee soreness, but he is expected to return to action against the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Dean Wade (SF) | Prob Fri | Illness - 26 / 03 / 23 | 4-7 | 3-9 | + - |
|
Wade has missed the previous two games due to an illness, but it is likely that he will be active for Friday's showdown versus the Knicks. |
|||||
| Danny Green (SG) | Out indefinitely | Illness - 26 / 03 / 23 | 4-7 | 3-9 | + - |
|
Green is going through the league's health and safety protocols, and there is no timetable for recovery. |
|||||
| Raul Neto (PG) | Ques Fri | Hamstring - 23 / 03 / 23 | 5-7 | 4-9 | + - |
|
Neto has sat out the last three contests due to hamstring tightness, and it is unknown if he will face off with the Knicks on Friday. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 21 Feb 3:06pm DEN -2.5 -110 O +221.5 -110 Closing 23 Feb 11:51pm DEN -3 -113 O +223.5 -115 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 28.26
Assists 7.8
Rebounds 9.79
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.46
Blocks 1.51
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
Points 23.2
Assists 7.2
Rebounds 10
FG% 100
Steals 2
Blocks 1.2
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Cavaliers Team Leaders
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points 28.26
Assists 7.8
Rebounds 9.79
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.46
Blocks 1.51
Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
Points 23.2
Assists 7.2
Rebounds 10
FG% 100
Steals 2
Blocks 1.2
-
Injuries
Jamal Murray (SG)
Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23Aaron Gordon (PF)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23Jeff Green (SF)
Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23Reggie Jackson (PG)
Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23Cedi Osman (SF)
Prob Fri Ankle - 20 / 04 / 23Jarrett Allen (C)
Prob Sun Groin - 05 / 04 / 23Darius Garland (PG)
Prob Sat Leg - 05 / 04 / 23Caris LeVert (SG)
Prob Sat Knee - 05 / 04 / 23Dylan Windler (SG)
Out indefinitely Foot - 01 / 04 / 23Jarrett Allen (C)
Ques Sun Groin - 27 / 03 / 23Isaac Okoro (SF)
Prob Sat Knee - 26 / 03 / 23Dean Wade (SF)
Prob Fri Illness - 26 / 03 / 23Danny Green (SG)
Out indefinitely Illness - 26 / 03 / 23Raul Neto (PG)
Ques Fri Hamstring - 23 / 03 / 23Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jamal Murray (SG) Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 2-1 1-2 + - Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 6-3 3-6 + - Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 7-3 3-7 + - Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns.
Aaron Gordon (PF) Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jeff Green (SF) Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves.
Reggie Jackson (PG) Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 14-9 11-11-1 + - Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Cedi Osman (SF) Prob Fri Ankle - 20 / 04 / 23 1-2 0-3 + - Osman is battling a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will take on the Knicks in Game 3 in the Eastern Conference first round.
Jarrett Allen (C) Prob Sun Groin - 05 / 04 / 23 2-4 1-6 + - Allen missed the last contest with a right groin strain, but it is forecasted that he will play against the Hornets on Sunday.
Darius Garland (PG) Prob Sat Leg - 05 / 04 / 23 2-4 1-6 + - Garland is nursing a left lower-leg contusion, but it is expected that he will face the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Caris LeVert (SG) Prob Sat Knee - 05 / 04 / 23 2-4 1-6 + - LeVert is dealing with right knee soreness, but it is likely that he will partake in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round against the Knicks.
Dylan Windler (SG) Out indefinitely Foot - 01 / 04 / 23 2-6 2-7 + - Windler is idle with a left foot sprain, and there is no timetable for recovery.
Jarrett Allen (C) Ques Sun Groin - 27 / 03 / 23 4-6 2-9 + - Allen has sat out the last two contests due to a right groin strain, leaving his availability for Sunday's battle with the Pacers up in the air.
Isaac Okoro (SF) Prob Sat Knee - 26 / 03 / 23 4-7 3-9 + - Okoro has been idle with left knee soreness, but he is expected to return to action against the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Dean Wade (SF) Prob Fri Illness - 26 / 03 / 23 4-7 3-9 + - Wade has missed the previous two games due to an illness, but it is likely that he will be active for Friday's showdown versus the Knicks.
Danny Green (SG) Out indefinitely Illness - 26 / 03 / 23 4-7 3-9 + - Green is going through the league's health and safety protocols, and there is no timetable for recovery.
Raul Neto (PG) Ques Fri Hamstring - 23 / 03 / 23 5-7 4-9 + - Neto has sat out the last three contests due to hamstring tightness, and it is unknown if he will face off with the Knicks on Friday.