CLEVELAND, Jan. 2, 2026 — The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in an enviable position to kick off the new year. Tonight at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, they host a Denver Nuggets squad that, while sitting third in the West, arrives in Ohio resembling a MAS*H unit more than a championship contender.
With reigning MVP Nikola Jokic sidelined due to a knee injury, the dynamics of this Friday night showdown have shifted dramatically. The oddsmakers have taken notice, installing the Cavaliers as heavy 13.5-point favorites—a staggering line that speaks volumes about the void The Joker leaves behind.
The Hospital Nuggets Arrive
Denver (23-10) has been an offensive juggernaut this season, leading the league with a blistering 125.1 points per game. However, that engine is missing its primary gears tonight.
The injury report for the Nuggets is extensive and alarming:
-
Nikola Jokic (Knee): OUT
-
Aaron Gordon (Hamstring): OUT
-
Christian Braun (Ankle): OUT
-
Jonas Valanciunas (Calf): OUT
This leaves Jamal Murray, who is probable despite an ankle issue, to shoulder a massive offensive load. Murray is having a stellar campaign, averaging 25.1 points and 6.9 assists, but without the gravity of Jokic in the paint or Gordon’s vertical spacing, the Cavaliers’ defense can afford to aggressively trap and blitz the Nuggets’ lone remaining star.
Cleveland’s surging momentum
The timing couldn’t be better for the Cavaliers (19-16). They are riding a three-game home winning streak and coming off a decisive victory over the Phoenix Suns on New Year’s Eve.
Donovan Mitchell continues to play at an MVP level himself. Spida dropped a clinical 34 points on 10-of-18 shooting against Phoenix and is currently averaging 29.7 points per game. With Denver’s primary perimeter defenders battered or absent, Mitchell and backcourt partner Darius Garland (16.9 PPG) should find ample driving lanes.
We have to respect who is on the floor, Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson noted in the pre-game presser. But we also have to recognize the opportunity. When a team is missing their engine, you have to attack them early and not let them find a new rhythm.
Key Matchup to Watch
Jarrett Allen vs. The Denver Frontcourt Reserves: With both Jokic and Valanciunas out, the Nuggets are critically thin at center. Jarrett Allen, who is nearly averaging a double-double, should feast on the glass. If Cleveland can control the rebound battle an area where they rank 10th in the league (44.8 RPG) they can deny Denver the second-chance points they desperately need to stay competitive.
What’s at Stake
For Cleveland, this is a business trip game. Beating a wounded contender is a maturity test; losing would be a significant step back after a strong end to 2025. For Denver, it’s about survival. Stealing a win on the road without four key rotation players would be the highlight of their season so far.
Key Takeaway: With Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon out, the Cavaliers have a golden opportunity to extend their winning streak, provided they don’t underestimate a Jamal Murray-led offense.
