Live Thread: Cavs @ Nuggets (#NoJoke)

It’s almost comical when you look at the stats Denver Nuggets big man, Nikola Jokic, has been putting up this season… especially over the past six weeks. “The Joker” as the Serbian has been dubbed, is averaging 16.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg and 4.7 apg for the season. However, it’s been 19.8/11.4/6.1 for the month of March. He’s also rattled off five triple doubles since the beginning of February, after logging exactly zero in his previous 121 professional games… no joke.

Tonight, the Cavs file into the Pepsi Center in Denver (fresh from their weekend tour in L.A.) to catch The Joker’s act in person. The Nuggets are fighting to hang onto the eighth seed in the West (just a game ahead of Portland), which was made more precarious after back to back losses to the Rockets on Saturday and Monday. The Cavs similarly are trying to hold off the Boston Celtics (two games back) for the number one seed in the East with 12 games remaining.

On the injury front for the Nuggets, Darrell Arthur (left knee soreness) and Wilson Chandler (right groin contusion) are questionable and Danilo Gallinari (left knee bone bruise) is doubtful. But, for the first time all season, the Cavs will have their full complement of players with Kyle Korver back in the mix after missing the last seven games due to a sore foot. The return of La Flama Blanca will allow Ty Lue to finally elevate J.R. Smith to the starting five as well.

Cavs probable starters: LeBron James, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith, Kyrie Irving. Nuggets probable starters: Juancho Hernangomez, Mason Plumlee, Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, Jameer Nelson.

Prediction: Cavs don’t joke around with the Nuggets and get the last laugh, 124-116.

Catch all the action on Fox Sports Ohio starting at 9pm EST.