With Donovan Mitchell back, the Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up to banish last year’s playoff pain — and today’s clash with the Denver Nuggets will tell us more about their postseason prospects.
These are somewhat confusing times in Cleveland, with the Cavs holding the No. 3 seed in the East but losing to the Charlotte Hornets in midweek and barely outlasting the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets enter as favorites in the latest NBA odds but stumbled this week without Jamal Murray, dropping games to the Suns and Timberwolves.
I’m expecting a playoff feel in Denver today in my NBA picks for the Cavaliers vs Nuggets on March 31.
Cavaliers vs Nuggets predictions
My best bet: Aaron Gordon Over 20.5 points + rebounds (-115 at bet365)
The Denver Nuggets have a gauntlet ahead in the Western Conference playoffs and it’s not a great sign the defending champs are dealing with injuries before even reaching those battles.
Murray’s absence has been costly this week, with Denver held under 100 points in consecutive losses, and Nikola Jokic has now joined him on the injury report with a wrist issue — though he’s listed as probable.
Make no mistake, the hosts are going to need other starters to step up against a hungry Cleveland Cavaliers team and I’m picking Aaron Gordon to crank up his production.
I’m pairing Gordon’s points and rebounds for my best bet this afternoon. He’s gone past this number in his last three outings — and there are extra shots up for grabs again with Murray unlikely to return here.
Gordon hasn’t been shy about letting fly, including an 8-for-21 effort against the Portland Trail Blazers last weekend.
With Jokic’s passing, Gordon walks into easy baskets, but his rebounding could be the X-factor in this prop. He’s grabbed 40 boards across his last five games.
Cavaliers vs Nuggets same-game parlay
Aaron Gordon Over 20.5 points
Evan Mobley Over 0.5 made threes
Nuggets -5.5
It’s been a choppy season for Evan Mobley as the Cavs try to settle on a go-forward identity, but he’s been impactful at both ends since returning last weekend. That includes making teams pay from beyond the arc.
As opponents overextend to slow down Mitchell and Darius Garland, everyone else is going to get open looks. He’s made five of his eight triples over his past four contests, and I like boosting my SGP by picking Mobley to make at least one 3-pointer this afternoon.
I’m also keeping faith with the Nuggets despite a rocky week. It feels unthinkable Denver would drop three straight contests at Ball Arena, so I’m laying the points with the hosts and trusting Jokic’s supporting cast to deliver.
Though the Nuggets are 4-6 ATS in their last 10 outings, they’re 29-8 overall at home this season and I’m wary about expecting too much from Mitchell, who’s easing his way back from a knee injury while also wearing a protective mask after breaking his nose.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cavaliers vs Nuggets odds and trends
Cavaliers vs Nuggets opening odds
- Spread: Cleveland +5.5 | Denver -5.5
- Moneyline: Cleveland +186 | Denver -210
- Over/Under: Over 215 | Under 215
Cavaliers vs Nuggets spread and Over/Under analysis
- Denver arrives as a 5.5-point favorite today with a chance to steady the ship in the three-team race for the No. 1 seed in the West, winning two of the past three meetings against Cleveland.
- The Under has been a winner in the Nuggets’ past two contests, but today’s line of 213.5 feels like a bit of an overreaction to Denver’s sluggish outings this week.
- The Over has cashed in for the Cavs’ past four games and it’s 7-3 in their last 10 contests. Plus, the visitors should have Caris LeVert back as an additional sparkplug here.
Cavaliers vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Nuggets have covered the first-quarter spread in 53 of their last 87 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Nuggets.
Cavaliers vs Nuggets game info
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date: | Sunday, March 31, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally Ohio, Altitude |
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