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Cleveland (32-21) at Denver (34-19)
- When: Feb 9 2026, 9:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: FDSOH
Cleveland vs Denver Preview & Prediction
Spread: Cleveland -1.0
Moneyline: Cleveland (-110)
Total: 238.5
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland rolls into Denver as a slight 1 point favorite with the total sitting at a sky high 238.5. That number is not a total, it is a suggestion that defense might be optional.
James Harden made his Cavaliers debut in style, dropping 23 points and eight assists in a 132-126 win over Sacramento without even practicing. No walkthrough, no rehearsal, just vibes. He basically showed up, laced his shoes, and said I will figure it out mid game.
Harden joins Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 28.9 points per game, to form a backcourt that can microwave points in a hurry. Between the two, they average 14 assists per night, which means the ball is not sticking. Cleveland added Harden to boost its standing in the East, and the offense now has enough firepower to scare any defense.
Evan Mobley is still out with a calf strain, which hurts the interior presence, but this team clearly plans to win by putting 120 plus on the board and daring you to keep up.
Denver Nuggets
Denver does not scare easily, especially at home. The Nuggets are dealing with injuries of their own, but when you have Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, you always have a puncher’s chance.
Jokic recently recorded the 182nd triple double of his career and is averaging 28.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 10.7 assists this season. Yes, that is a casual triple double average. Since returning from a knee injury, he has looked like a guy who just needed a nap, not rehab.
Murray is putting up career highs with 26 points and 7.5 assists per game and just posted 28 points and 11 assists in a win over Chicago. If he is healthy, Denver’s offense hums. The Nuggets are also getting Cameron Johnson back, adding more spacing to an already dangerous lineup.
At altitude, in a game with a total flirting with 240, this feels like scoreboard operator overtime.
Prediction
This sets up as a pure shootout. Cleveland has the backcourt fireworks, but Denver has the best player on the planet and home court advantage.
Final Score: Nuggets 123, Cavaliers 120
Lean: Nuggets ML (-110)
Total: Over 238.5
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
