NBA · Final

Cavaliers Edge Nuggets in Close Contest

Denver Nuggets23-11

108

Cleveland Cavaliers20-16

113

Friday, January 2, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Rocket Arena

Cleveland Cavaliers 113, Denver Nuggets 108, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.

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Quick answers

Who won Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Denver Nuggets 113-108 at Rocket Arena on January 2, 2026.

Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -850 (about 89% implied). The favorite won.

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a narrow victory against the Denver Nuggets, finishing the game with a score of 113 to 108. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second meeting of the season between the two teams, with the Cavaliers now leading the series 2-0 after previously defeating the Nuggets 149-135 and 126-114 in earlier encounters this season.

In terms of recent form, the Cavaliers entered the game with a record of 20-16, having gone 5-5 in their last ten games. They were on a two-game winning streak, with their most recent victory coming against the Phoenix Suns, where they won 129-113. The Cavaliers averaged 122.3 points scored and allowed 121.5 points during this stretch, showcasing their offensive capabilities while also revealing some defensive vulnerabilities. At home, they had a record of 3-2 in their last five games, with an average of 121.4 points scored and 115.0 points allowed.

On the other hand, the Nuggets came into the game with a stronger record of 23-11, having gone 6-4 in their last ten games. They were on a one-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Toronto Raptors 106-103. The Nuggets averaged 125.3 points scored and allowed 121.8 points during their last ten games, indicating a potent offense but also some defensive challenges. Their away record stood at 2-3 in the last five games, with an average of 125.4 points scored and 129.2 points allowed.

The game took place at Rocket Arena under standard conditions for a basketball matchup. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Cavaliers were favored by 13.5 points, with a total set at 240.5. The odds reflected a significant expectation for the Cavaliers to perform well, given their home advantage. The moneyline odds were -850 for the Cavaliers and +575 for the Nuggets, underscoring the perceived disparity between the teams leading into the game.

In terms of injuries, the Nuggets had two players listed as day-to-day: Aaron Gordon, who was dealing with a calf issue, and Trevon Brazile, with an undisclosed injury. The status of these players could have influenced the game, particularly Gordon, who has been a key contributor for the Nuggets.

As the game progressed, it was a tightly contested affair, with both teams exchanging leads and making crucial plays in the fourth quarter. Notable moments included Darius Garland's clutch three-pointer that put the Cavaliers ahead 107-105, followed by a dunk from Donovan Mitchell that extended their lead to 109-105. The Nuggets fought back, with Jamal Murray hitting a long three-pointer to bring the score to 111-108, but the Cavaliers sealed their victory with free throws from Garland and De'Andre Hunter.

The Cavaliers' victory not only adds to their momentum but also highlights their ability to perform under pressure, particularly in close games. The Nuggets, despite the loss, showed resilience and competitive spirit, which will be crucial as they move forward in the season. Overall, this matchup showcased the intensity and excitement of NBA basketball, with both teams delivering a performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CLE -13.5	240.5 o -112 / u -108	Denver Nuggets +575 · Cleveland Cavaliers -850

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets

Leaders

PointsDonovan Mitchell33Cleveland Cavaliers
AssistsDarius Garland8Cleveland Cavaliers
ReboundsJarrett Allen12Cleveland Cavaliers
PointsJamal Murray34Denver Nuggets
AssistsJamal Murray7Denver Nuggets
ReboundsJamal Murray6Denver Nuggets

Recent form

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 5-5Streak W2122.3 scored · 121.5 allowed per game3-2 at home

W129-113vs Phoenix SunsDec 31
W113-101at San Antonio SpursDec 30
L100-117at Houston RocketsDec 28
L124-126at New York KnicksDec 25
W141-118vs New Orleans PelicansDec 24
W139-132vs Charlotte HornetsDec 23
L125-136vs Chicago BullsDec 20
L111-127at Chicago BullsDec 18
L111-119vs Charlotte HornetsDec 14
W130-126at Washington WizardsDec 13

Denver Nuggets

Last 10: 6-4Streak W1125.3 scored · 121.8 allowed per game2-3 away

W106-103at Toronto RaptorsJan 1
L123-147at Miami HeatDec 30
L126-127at Orlando MagicDec 28
W142-138vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 26
L130-131at Dallas MavericksDec 24
W135-112vs Utah JazzDec 23
L101-115vs Houston RocketsDec 20
W126-115vs Orlando MagicDec 19
W128-125vs Houston RocketsDec 16
W136-105at Sacramento KingsDec 12

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Oklahoma City	-	18	L2	.780	64
Denver	10	28	W12	.659	54
Minnesota	15	33	W2	.598	49
Portland	22	40	W2	.512	42
Utah	42	60	L1	.268	22
Detroit	-	22	W3	.732	60
Cleveland	8	30	W1	.634	52
Milwaukee	28	50	L1	.390	32
Chicago	29	51	L2	.378	31
Indiana	41	63	L2	.232	19

Box score

Stat	Denver Nuggets	Cleveland Cavaliers
Field goals	40-94	43-86
Field goal %	43	50
Three-pointers	17-47	16-39
Three-point %	36	41
Free throws	11-13	11-19
Free throw %	85	58
Rebounds	32	55
Offensive rebounds	5	14
Defensive rebounds	27	41
Assists	26	32
Steals	8	6
Blocks	3	8
Turnovers	8	16
Team turnovers	1	1
Technical fouls	1	1
Technical fouls, total	1	1
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	12	18
Fast-break points	13	13
Points in the paint	34	50
Fouls	15	18
Largest lead	11	9
Lead changes	7	7
Time in front	47	47

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter76-68Darius Garland makes 23-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
3rd Quarter78-68Peyton Watson makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter78-71Donovan Mitchell makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaylon Tyson assists)
3rd Quarter78-73Jaylon Tyson makes 1-foot layup (Darius Garland assists)
3rd Quarter79-73Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter79-76Craig Porter Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Darius Garland assists)
3rd Quarter79-78Darius Garland makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
3rd Quarter81-78Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 17-foot fade away jump shot
3rd Quarter81-81Darius Garland makes 23-foot three point jumper (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
3rd Quarter84-81Spencer Jones makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
3rd Quarter84-83Donovan Mitchell makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot (De'Andre Hunter assists)
3rd Quarter84-86Donovan Mitchell makes 26-foot three pointer
3rd Quarter87-86Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 26-foot three pointer (Peyton Watson assists)
3rd Quarter88-86Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter89-86Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter92-86Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 25-foot three pointer
3rd Quarter92-88Donovan Mitchell makes driving layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
3rd Quarter95-88Peyton Watson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
3rd Quarter97-88Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 8-foot running jump shot (Peyton Watson assists)
4th Quarter97-90Jarrett Allen makes alley oop layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter97-92Donovan Mitchell makes 3-foot two point shot
4th Quarter99-92Zeke Nnaji makes dunk (Bruce Brown assists)
4th Quarter100-92Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter101-92Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter101-94Craig Porter Jr. makes two point shot
4th Quarter101-97Craig Porter Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lonzo Ball assists)
4th Quarter101-99Donovan Mitchell makes 1-foot running dunk
4th Quarter101-100Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter101-101Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter103-101Zeke Nnaji makes dunk
4th Quarter105-101Peyton Watson makes driving layup (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
4th Quarter105-103De'Andre Hunter makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot (Darius Garland assists)
4th Quarter105-104Jaylon Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter105-107Darius Garland makes 26-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
4th Quarter105-109Donovan Mitchell makes 1-foot dunk (Jarrett Allen assists)
4th Quarter105-110De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter105-111De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter108-111Jamal Murray makes 27-foot three pointer (Spencer Jones assists)
4th Quarter108-112Darius Garland makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter108-113Darius Garland makes free throw 2 of 2