The Cleveland Cavaliers are aiming to improve their league-best record tonight against the Denver Nuggets. You can catch the game live with Jackson Flickinger and Tony Pesta (questionable) on Playback.
Matchup Details:
• Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers (26-4) vs. Denver Nuggets (16-12)
• Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
• Time: 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27
• TV: Fanduel Sports Network Ohio (formerly Bally Sports), NBA League Pass
• Line: Cavs -2.5
Expected Starting Lineups:
• Cavaliers: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
• Nuggets: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, Nikola Jokic
Injury Reports:
• Cavaliers: Isaac Okoro (shoulder) – OUT, Dean Wade (knee) – QUESTIONABLE, Craig Porter, Emoni Bates, Luke Travers, JT Thor (all G League) – OUT
• Nuggets: Aaron Gordon (calf) – OUT, Vlato Cancar (knee) – OUT, DaRon Holmes III (achilles) – OUT, Jamal Murray (ankle) – PROBABLE, PJ Hall, Trey Alexander (both G League) – OUT
What to Watch For:
The Cavaliers have won their last five games, each by double digits. Their last outing was a team effort with four players scoring 20+ points in a win over the Utah Jazz.
Evan Mobley has been particularly dominant, averaging 20 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2 stocks per game while shooting 64% from the field and 50% from deep. This breakout season has him on track for his first All-Star nod, having hit 3+ three-pointers in three games this season—more than in all previous seasons combined.
The Nuggets, already limited defensively without a true rim protector, will be even more vulnerable with Aaron Gordon out. This could lead to an offensive explosion from Cleveland, who currently lead the league in Net and Offensive Ratings over their last 10 games.
