The Nuggets are currently sitting third in the Western Conference while the Blazers are currently sixth. This game is an important one for both teams, as it could determine their playoff fates. It also could be the deciding game in the play-in game format that is being used for the second year in a row.
The Nuggets have a lot of injuries to their roster, including two players who have been out for the majority of the season. However, a number of players are expected to return in time for this matchup. While the Blazers are without key players like Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, they are expected to get some players back. Michael Porter Jr. is expected to be out for the rest of the season, while P.J. Dozier is likely to miss the game with an ACL injury. In addition to these players, Will Barton will also likely be back in the mix, while Markus Howard is expected to start.
If the Blazers continue their poor play, they may look at lineup changes. They’ve won three straight games without making any changes to the starting lineup, but if their poor play continues, Chauncey Billups will likely consider it. Since the Blazers have been playing so well at home this season, their lineup has been tweaked to help them take advantage of situational matchups. Damian Lillard, who missed the Denver game with an abdominal injury, is a big question mark for this game. However, the Blazers’ star has been playing some of his best basketball of the season.
The Portland Trail Blazers are a big underdog heading into this matchup. Their star player, Damian Lillard, is out, but despite the absence of the injured guard, they’re still a solid team. While the Denver Nuggets are a banged up team, they’ve managed to stay ahead of Portland.
This game is an absolute must-watch for basketball fans. It’s likely that the Denver Nuggets will get back on track after a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. This game has the potential to be a close, back-and-forth battle. However, the blazers have had trouble scoring this season. As a result, the Nuggets are favored to win.
The Portland Trail Blazers will open their six-game road trip with a game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday at Pepsi Center. The Blazers are coming off a bruising win over the Brooklyn Nets, while the Nuggets lost their last game to the Los Angeles Clippers. A win against the Nuggets would be a big win for the Blazers.
The Denver Nuggets have six players on the injury report heading into this game. Four players are out and one is questionable. Will Barton is expected to play after missing two games. Markus Howard is questionable with a left knee sprain. Jamal Murray is also out due to his recovery from left knee surgery.
