The Cleveland Cavaliers (36-25) will be at home in Quicken Loans Arena when they take on the Denver Nuggets (34-28). The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 228.5 points with Cleveland set as a 5-point favorite. Action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 3, 2018, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio.,
Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
In the Nuggets last outing, they beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 108-102. Gary Harris was the games high scorer with 26 points on 11-for-18 shooting. The Nuggets knocked down 22 of their 26 free throws (84.6 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.589 (above their season average of 0.531).,
The Cavaliers are hoping for a better outcome after their 108-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in their last outing. LeBron James was the games leading scorer with 30 points on 12-for-24 shooting. Philadelphia’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Cleveland. The 76ers had a rate of 28.6 (above their season average of 25.7), while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 20.0.,
The prolific offense of Cleveland (fifth in the league with an offensive efficiency of 110.1) will clash against the porous defense of Denver (24th in the league with a defensive efficiency of 108.7). The Cavaliers figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. ,
Of Denver’s 61 games with betting action, 31 have finished under the O/U total, while 31 of Cleveland’s 61 games have finished over the O/U total. Both teams have decent straight up (SU) records (34-28 for Denver; 36-25 for Cleveland), but the Nuggets have the edge against the spread (ATS). Denver is 28-30-3 ATS, while the Cavaliers are 19-41-1.,
Will Barton has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Denver, averaging 19.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game.,
This is the first time these teams will meet this year, after splitting two games last season. The Nuggets won the last matchup 126-113. Denver had a better turnover percentage (5.6 vs. 9.9). Cleveland, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (12-14; 85.7 percent).,
Denver Nuggets at Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – Nuggets, ATS Winner – Nuggets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Nuggets average 30.3 three pointers per game, which ranks ninth in the league. The Cavaliers rank 27th in three pointers allowed per game (31.9).,
- Cleveland averages 16.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 16th in the league. Denver ranks 29th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.1).,
- Denver ranks fourth in second chance points per game (13.9) while Cleveland ranks 22nd (11.4).,
- Cleveland is 6-24-1 ATS at home, while Denver is 11-15-2 ATS on the road.,
- The Nuggets have 14 overs and 14 unders in 28 road games.,
- In 31 home games, the Cavaliers have 15 overs, 15 unders and 1 push.,
- When holding opponents below 100 points, Cleveland and Denver are both 13-2.,
- When reaching the century mark, the Cavaliers are 35-13 and the Nuggets are 28-19.,
- The Cavaliers rank fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while the Nuggets rank 18th (4.9).,
- Denver ranks fifth in assists per game (24.6) while Cleveland ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (25.8).,
- The Nuggets rank first in rebounds allowed per game (40.9) while the Cavaliers rank 23rd (44.2).,
- The Cavaliers average 12.2 fast break points per game, which ranks 13th in the league. The Nuggets rank 18th in fast break points allowed per game (12.1).,
- Denver averages 49.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (46.6).,
Betting Trends:
- Cleveland is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Denver is 2-3 ATS with 5 overs.,
- The Cavaliers have been outscored by an average of 1.0 point in their last five games. For the season, Cleveland has defeated opponents by an average of 0.1 points.,
- During their last five games, the Nuggets have scored an average of 119.6 points per game (11.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.0 points per game (9.6 above their season average).
