The Denver Nuggets (23-10) face the Cleveland Cavaliers (19-16) Friday. Tip-off from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Nuggets vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
’24-25 season series: Cleveland won 2-0
The Nuggets snuck past the Toronto Raptors Wednesday 106-103. They were 7-point underdogs in the third leg of their lengthy road trip. Already without superstar C Nikola Jokic (knee), they lost his replacement C Jonas Valanciunas (calf) after he dropped 17 points, 9 boards and 3 blocks in 23 minutes. F Peyton Watson led the way with 24 points and 8 boards. They’re going to need G Jamal Murray’s continued production in Jokic’s absence. Murray is averaging a career-high 25.2 points per game (PPG).
The Cavs routed the Phoenix Suns 129-113 Wednesday as 6.5-point favorites. G Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 34 points, 10 boards and 7 assists. At 29, Spida is averaging a career-high 29.7 PPG. The Cavs have won 4 of 6 after a slow start to the season.
Nuggets at Cavaliers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Nuggets +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Cavaliers -800 (bet $800 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +13.5 (-110) | Cavaliers -13.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 240.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Nuggets at Cavaliers key injuries
Nuggets
G Christian Braun (ankle) outF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) outF Cam Johnson (knee) outC Nikola Jokic (knee) outG Jamal Murray (ankle) probableG Julian Strawther (illness) probableC Jonas Valanciunas (calf) out
Cavaliers
F De’Andre Hunter (illness) questionableG Sam Merrill (ankle) questionableF Larry Nance Jr. (calf) outG Max Strus (foot) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Nuggets at Cavaliers picks and predictionsPrediction
Cavaliers 130, Nuggets 119
There’s no play here with the Cavs massive favorites. With the Nuggets so thin at center, I’ll take JARRETT ALLEN OVER 9.5 REBOUNDS (+100). He has reached that mark in 2 straight.
The Cavs are just 4-6 ATS in their last 10. This is such a large spread that I’m going with NUGGETS +13.5 (-110). They are tops in the NBA at 40.2% from downtown.
The Nuggets weren’t a really good defense even with Jokic in the lineup as they’re tied for 22nd in defensive rating on the season. The Cavs are physical underneath and chuck a bunch of 3’s with the fourth-best 3-pointers made per game. I’ll take the OVER 240.5 (-110).
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