Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction: An enticing battle between two elite teams

The NBA Regular Season is on and with the midseason approach, we can witness a bunch of trades that can transform the landscape in a multitude of ways. This has been another fascinating season and there are again so many frontrunners for the title. And one of the contenders Denver Nuggets are going to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in a cross-Conference battle.

The Nuggets enter the fray after defeating the Clippers 122:91 in one of the most balanced scoring efforts this season. This was a huge win against a Conference rival and the Nuggets have now accumulated 25 wins and 13 losses. They have won 11 of their 14 games, indicating a great run. They have been led by Nikola Jokic again but in contrast to last season, he has much more help. The defense is improving by leaps and bounds while the team runs the most efficient offense, setting it up through Jokic and moving the ball around with a purpose. The return of Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray, while signing Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Poipe has been a big difference-maker.

The Cavaliers come into this game after defeating the Suns 90:88 as Caris LeVert reeled in 21 points. This was the third-straight win for the Cavs which have now won 25 and have lost just 14. Their last three wins have been as close as they come and they have won eight out of their last 11 games. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland form an amazing duo in the backcourt, both capable of scoring big especially Mitchell whereas Garland is an elite passer. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen make for a superb defensive duo in the frontline. The bench is decent but needs to step it up more. LeVert is having a bit of an up-and-down season but is a serviceable injury cover.

• Nuggets: OUT: Peyton Watson, Jeff Green, Collin Gillespie;
• Cavaliers: OUT: Dylan Windler, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Ricky Rubio. QUESTIONABLE: Darius Garland.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Nikola Jokic(27-34 Points), Caris LeVert(20-24 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Nikola Jokic(11-14 Rebounds), Jarrett Allen(10-13 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmaker: Nikola Jokic(9-11 Assists).

The Nuggets have been in a great rhythm and this will be their second game in the second game but on their home floor. They wouldn’t be as exhausted as many teams in such scenarios considering how coach Michael Malone managed their last game. His job will become easier against a Cavs team that is missing Mitchell and can also potentially miss Darius Garland. Due to these factors, I back the Nuggets to win this. I predict a scoreline of 118:108 in the favor of Denver.