The Denver Nuggets host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night at Ball Arena. Denver is riding a seven-game winning streak and sits at 35-19, third in the Western Conference. Portland is 23-31 and has lost the first two games of its road trip.
This is the second meeting in three days between these teams. Denver dominated Portland 146-117 on Monday, setting season highs in points and shooting percentage. Nikola Jokic led with 40 points, and Christian Braun added 26. Portland will look for a better showing but will be shorthanded.
Nuggets Preview – Can Denver Extend Its Streak?
Denver’s offense has been on fire, scoring at least 137 points three times during the win streak. The Nuggets lead the league in fast-break points, paint points, and assists. Jokic continues to lead the way, averaging a near triple-double while making smart plays in the paint.
Christian Braun stepped up in the last game with 26 points, cutting to the hoop for easy baskets. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon provide strong scoring support, but both are dealing with injuries. Michael Porter Jr., who averaged 35 points in a recent three-game stretch, is questionable.
Defensively, Denver allows 115.8 points per game, ranking in the middle of the league. They have had success against Portland, winning eight of the last nine matchups. The Nuggets are 18-8 at home and will look to add another win before the All-Star break.
Trail Blazers Preview – Can Portland Keep It Close?
Portland struggled in the first game of this series, allowing Denver to shoot nearly 66% from the field. Injuries are a big issue, with Deandre Ayton, Scoot Henderson, and Robert Williams III all sidelined. Jerami Grant is also questionable, which weakens Portland’s scoring attack.
The Blazers’ top scorers on Monday came off the bench. Dalano Banton scored 22 points, and rookie Donovan Clingan had a career-high 21 points on perfect shooting. Clingan will see more minutes with Ayton out, giving the rookie a chance to prove himself against Jokic.
Portland has lost two straight and is 8-18 on the road. Anfernee Simons remains the team’s go-to scorer, but he will need help from Deni Avdija and Matisse Thybulle. The Blazers have covered the spread in 31 of 54 games this season, but Denver has had their number recently. They will need a strong defensive effort to compete.
Betting Prediction
Denver is favored by 12.5 points, and the total is set at 233.5. The Nuggets have dominated this matchup, and their offense is in top form. Portland is missing key players, making it difficult to keep pace.
Denver should win comfortably, but the spread is large. The Nuggets have covered five of the last ten meetings. With Portland’s injuries, Denver’s offense should put up another big night.
Pick: Denver Nuggets -12.5 over Portland Trail Blazers in this Western Conference battle on Wednesday. Enjoy the game!
