Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Preview
The way Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers play, we wouldn’t be surprised to see all seven games in their series. This could be the most entertaining matchup of the entire first round, because of a similar quality between these two units. Trail Blazers were the first to win on the road, doing that in Game 1. After that, the Nuggets responded with two wins in a row, taking Game 3 in Portland. But in the latest clash, the Blazers demolished Michael Malone’s side.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Schedule
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
- When: Tuesday, Jun 1, 9pm ET
- How to Watch: NBA
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Odds
| Team | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Blazers | -1.5 | 226 |
| Nuggets | +1.5 | 226 |
Diverse Offense Blazers’ Strenght
The fact that Portland defeated Denver, 115-95, with Damian Lillard scoring only 10 points, tells a lot about these Blazers. They aren’t a one-dimensional team as many believe, but in fact, a very diverse offense.
Norman Powell scored 29 points, shooting 11-for-15 from the field, hitting all of his four three-point attempts. CJ McCollum added 21 with 8 assists, and Jusuf Nurkic 17. Melo scored 12 off the bench.
Lillard had a subpar performance – 10 points and dimes, but with 8 assists. His poor shooting night (1-f for-10 FG, 1-for-6 for three) was compensated with that all-around play. Also, we need to add that Dame played in defense pretty hard, as well as all of the other Blazers’ players.
“Soft” Nuggets
Michael Malone stated following Game 4 that his Nuggets played soft, which was the main reason for their defeat in that event. And when looking at the entire match, the Nuggets’ head coach couldn’t say it better.
Portland outmuscled Denver on both ends, limiting them to just 34% of shooting from the field, and pushing them away from the basket. Jokic was stopped, but what needs to be said is that the Serb didn’t have any help in this match, often being alone and having to figure out a way out of the nasty situation.
Michael Porter Jr. was invisible, shooting 1-for-3 in 23 minutes, all from downtown. He was chased away from the basket, which narrowed down Jokic’s options once attacking. Three points from this guy are perfectly displaying how Portland played defense. Jokic scored 16 with nine boards, Monte Morris 12, the same as Campazzo.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Head to Head
The Nuggets won two matches during the regular part of the year, while Trail Blazers won one. Blazers took Game 1 123-109 and the previous one. Nuggets triumphed in Game 2 128-109 and Game 3 120-115.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Prediction and Pick
The Blazers are the favorites here, and we aren’t diggin’ that, to be honest. We’ve seen that they depend upon long-distance shooting too much, and that’s why we find this assessment pretty questionable. Denver defeated Portland twice already and is now coming back home to Colorado, which will undoubtedly give them a massive boost. That is why we choose the Nuggets in this clash, suggesting to bet on their plain victory, with the odds at +135 right now.
Free NBA Pick: Denver wins
