Cavs vs. Nuggets: preview, odds, injury report, TV

The Cavs have thrived under first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson, whose adaptability has been the cornerstone of the team’s success. Atkinson showcased his flexibility in Monday’s win over Utah, countering the Jazz’s twin towers with a spacing-heavy lineup that featured Evan Mobley anchoring the defense as the lone big. Jarrett Allen, typically a linchpin, watched much of the fourth quarter from the bench as Atkinson and his staff opted for offensive firepower.

That strategy won’t likely be replicated Friday. Against Denver, Allen’s presence will be critical in containing Nikola Jokic, the MVP frontrunner and the league’s most gifted offensive center. Jokic’s ability to dissect defenses with his scoring, passing, and basketball IQ demands a disciplined approach, and Allen’s rim protection will be a focal point.

The Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon, sidelined by a calf injury, which removes a key vertical spacer and weakens Denver’s interior physicality. The Cavs, however, face their own availability concerns. Dean Wade (knee soreness) could miss his second straight game, leaving them short-handed on the wing, particularly with Isaac Okoro (right shoulder AC joint sprain) already out. The absence of two of their most versatile defenders adds pressure to fill those gaps against Denver’s length and offensive versatility.

Atkinson’s ability to toggle between big and small lineups will again be tested, but his confidence in the Mobley-Allen pairing remains unwavering. The Cavs’ league-best offensive rating is a testament to the growing synergy between their core four, and the duo’s defensive versatility could be the key to thwarting Jokic’s brilliance.

A win in Denver would set the tone for the Cavs’ road trip and further cement their status as legitimate title contenders. But it won’t come easy — especially against a Nuggets squad eager to protect their home court.

Here’s what to know about the matchup:

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets

Series: Final matchup of the regular season.

Where: Ball Arena.

When: 9:00 p.m. ET.

The point spread: Cavs minus-2.5; O/U 236.5

TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio

Injury report

CAVS:

Out:

Isaac Okoro (shoulder); Emoni Bates (two-way); Luke Travers (two-way); Craig Porter Jr. (G-League assignment);

Questionable:

Dean Wade (knee)

NUGGETS:

Out:

Aaron Gordon (calf); DaRon Holmes II (Achilles); Vlatko Cancar (knee).

Probable:

Jamal Murray (ankle)