Live Thread: Nuggets @ Cavs

Good evening CtB!

The Cavs welcome the Denver Nuggets to the shores of Lake Erie for a potential NBA Finals preview as two of the best teams in the Association square off. This is another measuring stick game, which the Cavs desperately need as they need as many reps against top competition as they can get heading into their first playoff appearance since the LeBron Era. Denver is trying to maintain their stranglehold on the top seed in the West heading into the playoffs. Also, for those who think big men have died out, this game is the ultimate treat as MVP candidate Nikola Jokic takes on Tower City.

On the injury front, the Nuggets will be without the resurgent Aaron Gordon, and the Cavs will be without Ricky Rubio. This is also the first game without NBA champion Kevin Love, so hopefully the good guys are ready to make a statement about moving forward without the future HOFer.

What do stats say about the Nuggets? Well, they are the best offense in the Association, the best passing team in the Association, and the most efficient scoring team in the Association. If the Cavs have any designs on winning, they will have to bring their A-game on defense. The Nuggets are turnover prone and do not like to run, the Cavs would do well to disrupt passing lanes and get out on the break for easy buckets. The Nuggets are also not a lockdown defensive team, so the Cavs need to stay patient on offense and they will generate good shots. Denver rebounds the basketball very well, so second chance opportunities will probably be rare.

Tip off is scheduled for 7:00PM Eastern time and will be broadcasted live on Bally Sports Ohio, Go Cavs!