The Portland Trail Blazers are preparing for a challenging game, travelling to Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets are considered a very strong team. Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, has the ability to elevate his game, especially as the playoffs approach.
Blazers’ Uphill Battle Against Jokic and Nuggets’ Offence
The Nuggets are considered better than the Blazers. The Blazers do not match up well with Jokic. The Nuggets possess the league’s best offence over the last two weeks of play.
Containing the Nuggets’ three-point shooting will be a key factor in this matchup. The Blazers will have to worry about matchups like Cameron Johnson, Jamal Murray, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Aaron Gordon. Jokic also poses a threat with his ability to score.
Replicating Previous Success Against Denver
In their first contest with the Nuggets, the Blazers won by containing the Nuggets to 24% shooting from three. The Blazers also shot 28%. Portland won the turnover battle, committing only 12 turnovers and grabbing six more offensive rebounds than the Nuggets.
- Blazers contained the Nuggets to 24% shooting from three in their previous contest.
- The Blazers also shot 28%.
- Portland committed only 12 turnovers.
- The Blazers grabbed six more offensive rebounds than the Nuggets.
It is unlikely that the Blazers will once again win the turnover battle. The question will be: How many times can they cough the ball up to the league’s most offensively competent team and get away with it?
.500 Record in Sight
If the Blazers find success against the Nuggets, they are guaranteed to finish with at least a .500 record for the first time since the 2020-2021 NBA Season.
A win against one of the league’s true contenders would be a good vibe-boost.