A Northwest Division clash is set at Ball Arena as the surging Portland Trail Blazers take on the recently inconsistent Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
This will be the third of four meetings between the division rivals. Portland claimed the first matchup in October by two points, while the Nuggets responded with a dominant 157-103 rout in their February rematch.
Here’s a preview of this game, scheduled for a 5 p.m. ET tipoff.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Odds
Moneyline: Trail Blazers (+290) vs Nuggets (-370)
Spread: Trail Blazers +8.5 (-110) vs Nuggets -8.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Trail Blazers o242.5 (-110) vs Nuggets u242.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Preview
The Trail Blazers enter this matchup riding a three-game winning streak, with just one loss in their last five outings. They will also wrap up a five-game road trip against Denver.
They are coming off a 108-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Since March, defense has been their calling card, ranking fifth in the league in defensive rating. Their offense sits at 23rd, but their defensive effort has helped them post a 6-4 record this month.
Deni Avdija has been a driving force for Portland with averages of 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game, alongside Jerami Grant’s 17.5 ppg, Jrue Holiday’s 17.1 ppg and 6.8 apg, Donovan Clingan’s 15.5 ppg and 12.5 rpg, and Scoot Henderson’s 14.0 ppg.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets have struggled to find consistency in March, going 6-5. Their offense ranks eighth in the league, but their defense sits at 22nd.
This month, they have suffered losses to the New York Knicks, OKC Thunder and LA Lakers, with their most recent setback being a 125-118 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, where Nikola Jokic committed 10 turnovers.
Still, Jokic has been dominant in March with averages of 25.9 ppg, 12.4 rpg and 10.5 apg, while Jamal Murray is putting up 24.3 ppg and 6.1 apg. Aaron Gordon, since returning, has contributed 13.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg.
Injury Reports
For the Blazers, Jerami Grant (left foot soreness) and Vit Krejci (left calf strain) are questionable as of writing. Damian Lillard, Caleb Love, Shaedon Sharpe, Yang Hansen and Chris Youngblood are out.
The Nuggets have Peyton Watson listed as questionable with a right hamstring strain.
Starting Lineups
Expect the Blazers to start Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets are projected to start Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic.
Prediction
Don’t count the Blazers out in this matchup. Expect them to keep it competitive early, but the Nuggets should eventually pull away.
Our prediction: Nuggets win by 11.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Props
- Nikola Jokic O/U 27.5 points – Take the over.
- Jamal Murray O/U 23.5 points – Take the over.
- Deni Avdija O/U 23.5 points – Take the over.
- Jerami Grant O/U 17.5 points – Take the under.
