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Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
Denver heads to Cleveland severely short-handed as injuries continue to reshape its rotation. Nikola Jokic is sidelined with a knee injury, and Jonas Valanciunas joined him on the injury list after straining his calf. With no true center available, the Nuggets are forced into smaller lineups and heavy minutes across the board.
Cleveland, by contrast, is trending toward full health. The Cavaliers have won four of six and are starting to get extended minutes from their core group. Donovan Mitchell bounced back with a dominant all-around performance against Phoenix, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchored the interior. With more continuity, Cleveland’s defensive intensity has improved.
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Line Movement and Odds
Cleveland opened -6.5 and moved to -8 once Jokic and Valanciunas were ruled out. Denver sits at +8, but has drawn limited interest given the roster situation.
The total opened at 233.5 and has dipped slightly to 232. Bettors are weighing Denver’s high offensive efficiency against its lack of size and Cleveland’s slower half-court pace when protecting a lead. Moneyline pricing reflects a clear Cavaliers edge at home.
Follow updates on the NBA odds board.
Matchup Breakdown
Denver’s offense now runs almost entirely through Jamal Murray. He is posting career highs in scoring and assists and must create efficiently against Cleveland’s length. Without a center, Denver struggles on the glass and defending second chances, which shortens its margin late.
Cleveland holds a major interior advantage. Mobley and Allen can control the paint, protect the rim, and punish switches. If the Cavaliers avoid turnovers, they can dictate tempo and force Denver into contested perimeter shots.
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Injuries and Conditions
Denver Nuggets
- Nikola Jokic, left knee, out
- Jonas Valanciunas, calf, out
- Aaron Gordon, hamstring, out
- Christian Braun, ankle, out
- Cam Johnson, knee, out
See full Denver Nuggets injury report.
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Evan Mobley, knee management, probable
- Jarrett Allen, shoulder, probable
See full Cleveland Cavaliers injury report.
This game is indoors. No weather impact.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Denver’s effort has kept it competitive, but the lack of size and depth is difficult to overcome on the road. Cleveland’s interior control and improved cohesion give it a reliable edge.
Projected Score: Cavaliers 118, Nuggets 109
Best Bet: Cavaliers -8
Secondary Lean: Under 232
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