Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Trail Blazers hope to extend their winning streak to four against their 2021 NBA Playoff eliminators.
• The Denver Nuggets have now lost four in a row as they close out their short, two-game road trip against Portland.
• The Nuggets already defeated the Trail Blazers in their earlier meeting this season.

Nuggets vs Trail Blazers Odds

Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Predictions and Picks

The Denver Nuggets are struggling on both sides of the ball, neither being able to score at an efficient rate or defend consistently. The Trail Blazers on the other hand are on a roll offensively and should be in the right form to even the series against the Nuggets.

Pick:

Portland Trail Blazers def. Denver Nuggets

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How can the Trail Blazers beat the Nuggets?

The Portland Trail Blazers are on their usual scoring run, but they can’t neglect the inside game as they try to punish teams from range. With Denver likely having their key big men out, Portland needs to focus the paint.

It won’t be a purely perimeter attack for the Trail Blazers, but one in which they threaten the paint and kick-out to open shooters. Without a singularly talented shot-blocker, the Trail Blazers should have no issue attacking the rim.

In their last game the Trail Blazers had 23 assists on 40 field goals with just 12 turnovers on the evening. While it’s easy to sit back and watch Lillard and McCollum work, the drive-and-kick game will earn Portland a victory.

Trail Blazers Key Player: (G) Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) did his thing tonight recording his 1st 30+ game of the season. 39 pts 7 asts 3 blks 5 3PM? @nba #damianlillard #portlandtrailblazers #nba pic.twitter.com/vPyOqAynIs

— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) November 21, 2021

In the Trail Blazers’ last game, a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Damian Lillard returned to his superstar form.

In 37 minutes of play, Lillard posted 39 points, 7 assists, and a surprising 3 blocks on 10 of 21 shooting from the field. While he was just 5 of 13 from three, his 14 of 14 night from the free throw line made up for his inefficiency.

Lillard now faces a struggling yet worrisome Denver Nuggets defence. If Lillard can keep his playmaking sharp, he should continue his excellent scoring form.

How can the Nuggets beat the Trail Blazers?

The Denver Nuggets are expected to go into this game shorthanded. While Jokic say out on Sunday, it was up to the Denver bench to pick up the slack. Suffice to say, they were unable to compete.

The Nuggets had six players score in double-digits in their last game, but they couldn’t contain the offence of the Phoenix Suns. It’s clear how essential Jokic is to the Nuggets’ cause, as they only made 33 of 90 opportunities and shot just 11 of 38 from deep.

Guards Monte Morris, Austin Rivers, and Facundo Campazzo must take more responsibility for creating opportunities for teammates. If the trio can’t create good opportunities for others, the Nuggets simply don’t have the firepower to compete with Portland.

Nuggets Key Player: (F) Jeff Green

Jeff Green posts up and elevates! ?

Nuggets, Rockets on League Pass: https://t.co/5QqkBhf1W0 pic.twitter.com/IbduBEn6Li

— NBA (@NBA) November 6, 2021

In a game where the Nuggets were missing key players in Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, it was a surprise to everyone when 14-year NBA veteran Jeff Green stepped up to lead the Nuggets in scoring.

Green posted 19 points and 3 rebounds in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. While he couldn’t find his range from three, his ability to get to the free-throw line was more than welcome for the shorthanded Nuggets.

Whether or not Jokic plays will determine the Nuggets’ chances. However head coach Michael Malone will be comfortable in the fact that he can find production from his role players.

How to Watch Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets