The Denver Nuggets (51-23) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (45-29) are set to square off on Easter Sunday. The Nuggets lead the all-time series 53-44 and this is the second meeting of the season between these cross-conference foes. On Nov. 19, Cleveland defeated the Nuggets 121-109. These two teams have split their last 10 head-to-head meetings overall.
Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. The Nuggets are 5.5-point favorites in the latest Cavaliers vs. Nuggets odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points is 215.5. Before making any Nuggets vs. Cavaliers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 23 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 77-50 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,500. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
The model has set its sights on Cavaliers vs. Nuggets. You can head to SportsLine now to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for the Nuggets vs. Cavaliers game:
- Cavaliers vs. Nuggets spread: Denver -5.5
- Cavaliers vs. Nuggets over/under: 215.5 points
- Cavaliers vs. Nuggets money line: Denver -224, Cleveland +183
- CLE: The Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last six games
- DEN: The Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games
- Cavaliers vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Cavaliers can cover
Center Jarrett Allen is a two-way force. Allen plays superb defense around the paint and has a nice touch near the basket. The Texas product averages 16.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, while making 63% of his shot attempts. In his last outing, Allen totaled 13 points and 11 rebounds, while going 6-of-9 from the field.
Guard Max Strus brings a perimeter asset onto the floor. Strus thrives in catch-and-shoot situations, constantly moving without the ball. The DePaul product averages 12.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while making 34% of his 3-point attempts. On March 27 versus the Hornets, Strus totaled 19 points and went 5-of-10 from long range. See which team to back at SportsLine.
Why the Nuggets can cover
Center Nikola Jokic is a difference-maker for Denver. Jokic is an elite passer, rebounder, and scorer. He overpowers opposing bigs with his strength and has a reliable perimeter shot. The 29-year-old is 11th in the NBA in scoring (26.1), fourth in rebounds (12.2), and third in assists (8.9). In his last game, Jokic had 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
Forward Michael Porter Jr. has been a smooth swingman. Porter Jr. is efficient from 3-point land and competes for rebounds consistently. The 25-year-old averages 16.9 points and seven rebounds, while shooting 40% beyond the arc. On March 27 versus the Suns, Porter Jr. had 18 points and eight rebounds. See which team to back at SportsLine.
How to make Nuggets vs. Cavaliers picks
The model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 216 combined points. It also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.
Who wins Cavaliers vs. Nuggets, and which side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see the picks, all from the model that's on a sizzling 77-50 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
