Nuggets vs Cavaliers Odds & Predictions (Feb. 23)

Odds as of February 22 at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Nuggets vs Cavaliers Betting Analysis

The Nuggets took the first meeting between these two squads 121-108 in Denver. Nikola Jokic was his usual, unstoppable self, racking up a 28 point triple-double. The current favorite, and reigning two-time champ in the NBA MVP odds, added 15 rebounds and 10 assists in that outing, and is on pace to become the third player in league history to average a triple-double this season.

Jamal Murray was also instrumental in the win, splashing 18 points. He sat out the final six games prior to the All-Star break, but is expected to suit up on Thursday. Murray is averaging 35 points, seven assists and five boards over his past three outings, and has eclipsed 24 points in five of his last six starts.

Elsewhere on the injury front, it looks like the Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon. Denver’s third leading scorer is dealing with rib issues and is doubtful to play.

The Nuggets enter play with the league’s third best Net Rating, and a 96% probability of finishing first in the West according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index.

Cleveland, the second highest graded team per Net Rating, is looking to pick up exactly where they left off. The Cavs won seven of eight before the All-Star break, and are 6-1 in their last seven home games. They’ve outscored their opponents by an average of 13 points per home tilt during that stretch, and boast the most wins in their own building of any team in the East.

After a slow ending to January and the start of February, Donovan Mitchell has caught fire. He averaged 33 points per game over his final four outings prior to the break, and poured in 40 points for Team Giannis in the All-Star Game.

He and backcourt mate Darius Garland are one of the league’s premier guard duos, and we’ll be asked to carry the brunt of the offensive load against the Nuggets.

Injury wise, Ricky Rubio is the lone player carrying a designation for Cleveland, as he’ll sit due to left knee issues. The team bought out Kevin Love over the break, and the veteran forward promptly joined the rival Heat.

Nuggets vs Cavaliers Predictions

The Nuggets feature the league’s number one offensive rating, while the Cavs are the NBA’s top defensive team. Talk about must see TV. Their first matchup produced well over 222 points, and we should expect this one to do so as well, in spite of Cleveland’s defensive prowess.

For starters, there is no stopping Jokic. He can hurt you in so many ways, and he’s just as dangerous as a facilitator as he is a scorer. The entire Denver offense runs through him, and he’s either going to destroy his defender one on one, or make the perfect pass to an open shooter if the Cavs double him.

NBA Net Rating Ranks

Cleveland’s offense is capable of punching back, especially at home. The Cavs average 116 points per 100 possessions in Cleveland, compared to 113.9 points as visitors.

The over is 7-3 in the Nuggets last 10 games, with all but two of those contests exceeding 222 points. Bettors were quick to pound the over in this contest, and we shouldn’t expect the action to slow down prior to tip. This number is likely going to close north of 222, so if you want to play the over do so now.