After the holiday break, the Cleveland Cavaliers are heading to Denver to face the Nuggets on December 27, 2024. The Cavaliers come off a solid victory against the Utah Jazz, winning 124-113, which continued their impressive run this season. Currently boasting the best record in the NBA at 26-4, Cleveland has been on fire lately, going 9-1 over their last ten games.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are trying to recover from their Christmas Day defeat against the Phoenix Suns, losing 110-100. This game will feature a matchup between some of the league's top talent, including Donovan Mitchell and Nikola Jokic, with playoff positioning at stake as both teams are battling through challenging stretches.
The Cavaliers previously defeated the Nuggets 126-114 earlier this month, and with the pressures of playing at Denver’s high altitude combined with their current injury concerns, they will have their work cut out for them. The Nuggets will be severely tested as they move forward without key players like Aaron Gordon and DaRon Holmes due to injuries. Gordon has been averaging 13.7 points and 5.8 rebounds this season, making his absence felt significantly.
Head coach Michael Malone expressed hope for Gordon's availability, stating, “Hopefully Aaron is gonna be ready to go for Cleveland, but we'll have to wait and see these next 24, 48 hours.” Unfortunately for the Nuggets, he was ruled out for the matchup, along with other players like Vlatko Cancar and Trey Alexander. The team is also monitoring the ankle condition of star guard Jamal Murray, who is listed as probable but will be assessed closer to game time.
On the Cavaliers' side, they will be missing some players as well, including Isaac Okoro, who is recovering from shoulder issues and could impact their defensive capabilities. Dean Wade is also questionable due to knee soreness, leaving the Cavs thin on the wing if both cannot play. Their defense has been more solid when Wade is involved, as he contributes both offensively and defensively.
The two teams bring distinct strengths to the court, with Cleveland leading the league with 16.1 made three-pointers per game, compared to Denver's last-ranked average of just 11.6 attempts from beyond the arc. This discrepancy is worth noting as the Cavaliers have shown they can drain threes at will, especially after recent performances lighting up the scoreboard.
Betting lines favor the Cavaliers at -2.5, reflecting confidence in their current form and recent successes, including winning their eight previous games as favorites. Nick Friar highlighted the stakes leading up to the game, stating, “Cavaliers -2.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at this number.”
Even if the Nuggets manage to remain competitive thanks to Jokic’s presence, who has regularly been delivering stellar performances averaging numerous assists and rebounds per game, the pressure will intensify if Murray's ankle hinders his effectiveness.
Key to Denver's strategy will involve leaning on their depth, with players like Russell Westbrook expected to take on larger roles. Westbrook, who is adjusting to his role on the Nuggets, finished the last game with 11 points but has not been as impactful as expected, leading to questions from fans and analysts alike concerning the team’s spacing and performance.
The Cavaliers showed their mettle earlier when they overcame the Nuggets quite handily at home, and provided they manage to keep their shooting percentages high and contain Jokic, they are well positioned to take another victory. On the other hand, should the Nuggets execute sound strategies and shoot more effectively, they could surprise Cleveland.
With tensions and hopes all riding on the game for both squads, this matchup promises exciting basketball as two hungry teams look to assert themselves moving forward.
Expect players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley to play pivotal roles for the Cavaliers, especially if Wade cannot participate. The battle on the court will not just be about skill, but also about athleticism and making smart decisions under pressure.
The outcome of this game could impact playoff positions significantly, setting the stage for thrilling basketball action as both the Cavaliers and the Nuggets gear up for this highly anticipated clash.
Will the Cavaliers extend their winning streak, or will the Nuggets rebound and make their statement? Only time will tell, but fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this game plays out.
