Is the Denver Nuggets experiencing a streak of bad luck with injuries? Just a day after star player and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic was ruled out for a minimum of four weeks due to a hyperextended left knee, backup center Jonas Valanciunas also suffered a right calf strain during Wednesday’s game versus the Raptors. Valanciunas is expected to miss at least the same duration as Jokic. The Nuggets are already without key starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Christian Braun (ankle), and Cam Johnson (knee).
On Friday, the Nuggets, still fighting to stay in the race, will face the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. The Cavaliers (19-16) have regressed since last season but come into the game on a two-game winning streak against the Spurs and Suns. Cleveland is favored by 13.5 points against the injury-depleted Denver squad.
Aside from the Cavs vs. Nuggets game, Friday offers plenty of sports action, including 10 NBA games and four college football bowl matchups. Here’s a quick rundown of some key games and betting recommendations for Friday, January 2nd:
NBA Highlights:
Nuggets vs. Cavaliers
Time: 7:30 PM | Location: Cleveland | TV: Prime Video | Stream: Fubo (free trial)
SportsLine picks Cavaliers -13.5. Cleveland’s offense has improved significantly, averaging 120.5 points per 100 possessions over their last six games, ranking seventh in the NBA. Without Jokic, Denver’s scoring drops to 110.4 points per 100 possessions, far below their season average of 123.5. The model gives Cleveland a 66% chance to cover this spread.Thunder at Warriors
Time: 10 PM | Location: San Francisco | TV: Prime Video | Stream: Fubo (free trial)
SportsLine favors the Warriors +8.5. Golden State has been strong lately with a 7-4 record in their last 11 games, boasting top-10 offense and defense rankings. The model projects a 68% chance for the Warriors to cover.
College Football Bowl Games:
Liberty Bowl: Navy vs. Cincinnati
Time: 4:30 PM | Location: Memphis, Tennessee | TV: ESPN | Stream: Fubo (free trial)
SportsLine models prefer Cincinnati +7.5, but expert Mike Tierney supports Navy -7.5, emphasizing Navy’s strong scoring ability.Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. SMU
Time: 8 PM | Location: San Diego | TV: Fox | Stream: Fubo (free trial)
SportsLine suggests an over/under of 51.5 points, with Arizona +1.5 favored by expert Bruce Marshall, highlighting the Wildcats’ impressive defense.Dukes Mayo Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State
Time: 8 PM | Location: Charlotte | TV: ESPN | Stream: Fubo (free trial)
SportsLine favors Mississippi State -3, while expert Bruce Marshall backs Wake Forest +3.5. This matchup features contrasting defensive performances.
Looking Ahead to the NFL:
- Seahawks vs. 49ers
Time: Saturday, 8 PM | Location: Santa Clara, California | TV: ABC/ESPN | Stream: Fubo (free trial)
SportsLine favors Seahawks -1.5, and expert Larry Hartstein agrees with Seahawks -1. The game will decide top playoff seeding in the NFC, with injury concerns challenging the 49ers.
Fan Take: The Denver Nuggets’ injury woes highlight how fragile team success can be in professional basketball. As the Nuggets struggle without Jokic and Valanciunas, it underscores the importance of depth and resilience, reminding fans just how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA.
