Up arrow
NBA
Games

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 27, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 27, 2024 8:29 PM
On Friday, December 27, 2024, the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers, owners of a stellar 26-4 record, travel to Ball Arena to take on the 16-12 Denver Nuggets. The Cavs, led by their impressive 20-4 conference record, look to build on their 1-0 series lead over the Nuggets, while Denver aims to protect their 8-4 home record. Expect a thrilling matchup between two of the league's top contenders.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets

Current Odds

CLE
DEN
Over
244.5
-120
Under
251.5
-110
CLE
-4.5
-110
DEN
+7.5
-110
CLE
ML
-158
DEN
ML
+260

Denver Nuggets recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/25/24 @ Phoenix Suns L 110-100
12/23/24 vs Phoenix Suns W 117-90
12/22/24 @ New Orleans Pelicans W 132-129 OT
12/19/24 @ Portland Trail Blazers L 126-124
12/16/24 @ Sacramento Kings W 130-129

Cleveland Cavaliers recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/23/24 vs Utah Jazz W 124-113
12/21/24 vs Philadelphia 76ers W 126-99
12/20/24 vs Milwaukee Bucks W 124-101
12/16/24 @ Brooklyn Nets W 130-101
12/13/24 vs Washington Wizards W 115-105

Denver Nuggets injuries

  • Aaron Gordon (PF): Out
  • Jamal Murray (PG): Day-To-Day
  • Vlatko Cancar (SF): Out
  • DaRon Holmes II (C): Out

Cleveland Cavaliers injuries

  • Dean Wade (PF): Day-To-Day
  • Luke Travers (G): Out
  • Isaac Okoro (SF): Out

Cavaliers vs Nuggets game info

Type Info
Venue Ball Arena
Location Denver, CO
Tip-off Fri 9:00 PM

Cavaliers vs Nuggets predictions

When it comes to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell is undoubtedly the player to watch. On the court, Mitchell is usually electric, averaging around 23.3 points per game. Expect him to put up a solid performance when he's clocking around 33 minutes on the hardwood. Meanwhile, Darius Garland continues to impress with his playmaking skills, likely dishing out about 6.8 assists while contributing 20.5 points himself. You can’t forget about Jarrett Allen grabbing boards left and right — he’s a rebounding machine, averaging 10.8 rebounds, and he'll be key to the Cavs’ efforts. Together, these guys create a formidable triad that's hard for any opponent to crack.

Turning our attention to the Denver Nuggets, the unstoppable force that is Nikola Jokic seems to have no plans of slowing down. Leading his team in points, assists, and rebounds, Jokic is expected to stack up approximately 27.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, and close to 7.7 assists. Jamal Murray isn't far behind as he suits up for a likely return performance, putting up solid numbers like 18.6 points and 5.6 assists. Then there's the young Christian Braun, who's been showing he can hold his own, delivering about 11.9 points. The Nuggets have this depth in their roster that keeps opponents on their toes, and with Jokic steering the ship, they remain a dangerous threat.

This matchup is shaping up to be a high-octane clash between two competitive squads at the Ball Arena. While Cleveland leans on their explosive backcourt and consistent inside presence, Denver's home record and Jokic-led lineup suggest this game could go either way. Ultimately, the Cavaliers' impressive record and the depth of their roster make them strong candidates to edge out a win. However, with the Nuggets boasting the powerhouse that is Jokic and his ability to turn the tide at home, you never really know until the final buzzer. So grab your popcorn, because this one promises to be a thriller.

Denver Nuggets

Cleveland Cavaliers

More Games