Denver Nuggets at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, NBA

The Cleveland Cavaliers (1-6) will be 6-point underdogs at home in Quicken Loans Arena when they take on the Denver Nuggets (6-1). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 226.5 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 1, 2018.

Denver Nuggets at Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Odds

Both teams covered in their last game. The Cavaliers (4.5-point favorites) defeated the Atlanta Hawks 136-114, while the Nuggets (9.5-point underdog) beat the Chicago Bulls 108-107. The Cleveland game went 23.5 points over the projected point total of 226.5, while the Denver game finished 15 points under the projected point total of 230.

Denver out-rebounded Chicago. The Nuggets had more offensive rebounds (17 vs. 10), defensive rebounds (39 vs. 33) and total rebounds (56 vs. 43). Meanwhile, Cleveland dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.367 (above their season average of 0.205) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.3 (below their season average of 29.7). Atlanta had marks of 0.134 and 14.6, respectively, for those same stats. Tristan Thompson had a good game for Cleveland with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Denver received a boost from Nikola Jokic, who contributed 22 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.

The high-powered offense of Cleveland will battle against the porous defense of Denver. Dating back to last season, the Cavaliers rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while the Nuggets are 22nd in defensive efficiency. The Cavaliers should have the advantage on that end of the court. ,

Of the Nuggets’ 6 games with betting action, four have finished under the O/U total. Denver heads into the contest with records of 6-1 straight up (SU) and 4-2 against the spread (ATS).

Unlike Denver, games involving the Cavaliers have typically gone over the total (71.4 percent). Cleveland has a respectable record ATS (4-3), despite being 1-6 SU.

This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Cavaliers won the last matchup 113-108. The Cavaliers’ 9.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Nuggets, who had a mark of 18.3.

Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Pick

Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Nuggets, ATS Winner – Nuggets, O/U – Over

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • The Cavaliers average 11.8 fast break points per game, which ranks 15th in the league. The Nuggets rank 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (13.0).
  • Denver ranks fourth in assists per game (25.1) while Cleveland ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (25.2).
  • The Nuggets rank ninth in blocks per game (5.0) while the Cavaliers rank 27th (3.8).
  • Denver ranks second in second chance points per game (14.3) while Cleveland ranks 20th (11.7).
  • Denver ranks 13th in steals per game (7.8) while Cleveland ranks 27th (6.9).
  • The Nuggets average 30.7 three pointers per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Cavaliers rank 28th in three pointers allowed per game (31.2).
  • The Cavaliers rank 14th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.1) while the Nuggets rank 29th (18.6).
  • Denver ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (41.7) while Cleveland ranks ninth (42.7).
  • Denver averages 49.8 points in the paint per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (47.2).
  • Cleveland is 22-6 when they allow under 100 points, while Denver is 18-2.
  • The Nuggets are 45-27 when they reach 100 points, while the Cavaliers are 59-26.
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