Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets Betting Preview, February 23 (2/23): NBA
- Lm Tipster
- Feb 22, 2023, 7:30:50 PM
Odds
| Time | 7:00 p.m. EST |
| Nuggets money line | +102 |
| Nuggets spread | +2 (-110) |
| Cavaliers money line | -120 |
| Cavaliers spread | -2 (-110) |
| Over / under | 221.5 |
2022-2023 season stats
| Denver Nuggets | Cleveland Cavaliers | |
| Record | 41-18 | 38-23 |
| Road / home record | 14-14 | 25-6 |
| Streak | W1 | L1 |
| Points per game | 117.00 | 111.00 |
| Points allowed per game | 112.00 | 106.00 |
| Rebounds per game | 48.00 | 44.00 |
| Rebounds allowed per game | 44.00 | 41.00 |
| Over / under record | 28-30-1 | 28-33 |
Preview
On Thursday night, the Denver Nuggets will be visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Cleveland-Dade Arena for their first game after the All-Star break. Earlier this season, these two teams met in Denver where the Nuggets emerged victorious with a score of 121-108, covering the spread as 5-point favorites. Nikola Jokic, the NBA's leader in triple-doubles this season, recorded 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jamal Murray scored 18 points in his first back-to-back games since his knee surgery. Jokic made 10 of 17 shots, including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc.
The Cavaliers have been in excellent form, winning eight of their last ten games, while the Nuggets have won seven of their last ten. The Cavaliers have also been consistent in their home games, winning 25 of their 31 games, which is the best home record in the NBA.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have had a good season so far, winning 41 games and losing 18. They are currently sitting atop the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets have a talented team with star player Nikola Jokic leading the way. Jokic has been outstanding this season, averaging 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game. Jamal Murray has also been playing well, averaging 16.7 points per game over the last ten games.
The Nuggets are one of the best shooting teams in the league, especially from beyond the arc. They are shooting 39.2% from three-point range this season, which is the best in the Western Conference. Their three-point shooting could be a significant factor in their game against the Cavaliers.
INJURIES: The Nuggets also have four players on their injury list, with Aaron Gordon day-to-day with a rib injury, Collin Gillespie out with a leg injury, Zeke Nnaji day-to-day with a shoulder injury, and Jamal Murray day-to-day with a knee injury.
The absence of Murray could be a significant blow to the Nuggets' chances. Murray is one of their key players and has been in excellent form over the last ten games. His absence could give the Cavaliers an advantage.
Jokic has been one of the best players in the league this season and has been the driving force behind the Nuggets' success. His excellent scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities make him one of the toughest players to defend in the NBA. DeAndre Jordan will be another player to watch out for. He has been shooting 100.0% from three-point range this season and has been an important player for the Nuggets. His shooting abilities could prove to be crucial in the game against the Cavaliers.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing exceptionally well this season. They have improved significantly from last year's campaign and have a good chance of competing in the playoffs. The Cavaliers have won 38 games this season and lost only 23, putting them fourth in the Eastern Conference. They have been exceptional at home, winning 25 of their 31 games at the Cleveland-Dade Arena.
The Cavaliers have been led by their dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Mitchell is the team's leading scorer, averaging 27.3 points per game, while Garland is averaging 21.3 points per game. The Cavaliers are also one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, allowing only 106.1 points per game, which is the best in the league. The team's defense has been crucial to their success this season, and they will rely on it against the Nuggets.
Caris LeVert led the Cavaliers with 22 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Nuggets' firepower. Darius Garland will be another key player for the Cavaliers. Garland has been excellent in the last ten games, averaging 21.3 points per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. He will be looking to continue his good form and help the Cavaliers win the game.
The Cavaliers will be hoping to avenge that defeat and extend their home winning streak to five games.
Injury Concerns
They have two players listed as day-to-day, Cedi Osman with a neck injury, and Ricky Rubio with an illness.
BETTING TRENDS
Denver are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 10 games.
Denver are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Denver are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road.
Denver are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.
Cleveland are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games.
Cleveland are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games.
Cleveland are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home.
Cleveland are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Western Conference conference.
Prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in excellent form this season, and their home record speaks for itself. They have the best home record in the NBA and will be looking to continue their winning streak at home. They also have one of the best defensive units in the league, allowing only 106.1 points per game.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, have a talented team, with Nikola Jokic leading the way. Their three-point shooting has been excellent this season, and they will be looking to use that to their advantage.
Both teams have had injury concerns, but looks like Murray and Gordon will be ready to go for the Nuggets which could be a huge boost to the offense and the Cavs have most of their best players healthy.
This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams having excellent offensive units. The Cavaliers have been averaging 114.0 points per game in their last ten games, while the Nuggets have been averaging 120.0 points per game over the same stretch.
Based on their recent form and offensive prowess, this game could hit the over of 221.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers are still favorites to win the game due to their excellent home record and defensive unit. However, the Nuggets have the potential to put up a lot of points, and their three-point shooting could prove to be a difference-maker.
PICK: Over 221.5 (-110)
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