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Game Preview: Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers
The Denver Nuggets head to the Pacific Northwest to face the Portland Trail Blazers Friday night at Moda Center. It’s the NBA Cup opener for both teams in West Group C — a pool that includes the Warriors, Spurs, and Rockets — and all eyes will be on Nikola Jokic, who is chasing history.
Jokic, the reigning three-time MVP, logged his fourth consecutive triple-double in Wednesday’s 122-88 blowout win over New Orleans. With 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in just 28 minutes, he tied the NBA record shared by Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook for most triple-doubles to start a season. Another one Friday would give Jokic the record outright — and further cement his early dominance of the 2025-26 campaign.
Portland (3-2) has been one of the league’s early surprises under interim coach Tiago Splitter. The Trail Blazers escaped with a 136-134 win over Utah behind Jrue Holiday’s season-high 27 points and have won three of their last four games. Their offensive tempo and cohesion have stood out, averaging over 122 points per game while showing improved spacing and ball movement.
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Line Movement and Odds
Denver opened as a 4.5-point favorite, with the total at 239.5. Early bettors are backing the Nuggets’ form and Jokic’s efficiency, but Portland’s fast-paced style has kept over bettors intrigued.
Both clubs are chasing early points in West Group C, one of the tournament’s most balanced brackets. To see how this matchup affects group futures, check the NBA Western Conference odds predictions and the NBA Northwest Division odds breakdown.
Denver Nuggets Outlook
The Nuggets have found their stride after a shaky opener. They’ve won three straight by an average margin of 23 points and currently rank second in scoring (128.2 ppg) and first in field goal percentage (52.7%). Denver’s 40-assist night versus New Orleans underscored their elite ball movement — a hallmark of their championship-caliber offense.
Nikola Jokic remains the driving force, averaging 27.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game. Jamal Murray (18.4 ppg) continues to thrive as the secondary scorer, while Christian Braun’s 17-point showing last game highlighted Denver’s improving bench depth.
Defensively, the Nuggets sit seventh in points allowed (112.5 ppg) and continue to control the glass, ranking fourth in rebounding margin. Their balanced play makes them one of the early NBA Cup favorites.
Nuggets Injury Report
- Michael Porter Jr. (F) – Questionable (Back tightness)
- Aaron Gordon (F) – Probable (Knee)
- Peyton Watson (G/F) – Out (Wrist)
Keep tabs on Jokic’s award momentum in the NBA MVP odds tracker, where his historic start has already shifted betting markets.
Portland Trail Blazers Outlook
The Trail Blazers are off to a promising start despite major offseason changes. Under Tiago Splitter, Portland ranks seventh in scoring (123.6 ppg) and tenth in three-pointers made (15 per game). Jrue Holiday’s veteran leadership has been instrumental, averaging 19.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds while guiding a young roster through close finishes.
Deni Avdija (19 points, 9 rebounds vs. Utah) and rookie scorer Johnny Davis have complemented Holiday’s steady play, while the Blazers’ free-throw percentage (86%) ranks third leaguewide. However, defense remains a concern — Portland allows 124 points per game and often falters late in games, as seen in the near-collapse against the Jazz.
Still, the Blazers’ high pace and unselfish play (29 assists per game) have made them entertaining and unpredictable. Their ability to push Denver’s defense in transition could decide whether they can stay competitive against the Western heavyweights.
Trail Blazers Injury Report
- Robert Williams III (C) – Out (Knee)
- Anfernee Simons (G) – Out (Thumb)
- Deandre Ayton (C) – Questionable (Ankle)
- Scoot Henderson (G) – Probable (Hamstring)
Explore the Blazers’ rebuilding trajectory in the NBA Northwest Division odds predictions, where their long-term prospects are trending upward.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
- Nikola Jokic vs Jrue Holiday: The league’s best facilitator meets one of its most disruptive defenders. Holiday’s two-way play could slow Jokic’s rhythm, but Denver’s spacing creates mismatches everywhere else.
- Rebounding Edge: Denver ranks top five in total boards, while Portland struggles defensively in the paint.
- Bench Scoring: Braun and Reggie Jackson have boosted Denver’s depth, while Portland relies heavily on its starting five.
If Portland can push the pace and shoot efficiently from deep, they can stay close. Otherwise, Denver’s size and precision passing should control the tempo.
Betting Trends
- Nuggets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs Western Conference opponents.
- Trail Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games as home underdogs.
- Over is 6-1 in Portland’s last seven games.
- Nuggets are 10-1 straight up in their last 11 games against the Trail Blazers.
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Prediction
Nikola Jokic’s pursuit of history adds another layer of motivation for a Denver team already firing on all cylinders. Portland’s home crowd and fast tempo could make this competitive early, but Denver’s efficiency, depth, and balance should prevail late.
Projected Score: Nuggets 121, Trail Blazers 113
Best Bet: Nuggets -4.5
Total Lean: Under 239.5
Scores and Stats Handicappers
Get verified NBA Cup picks, expert profit rankings, and prop model breakdowns on the Scores and Stats Handicappers page. Track how top basketball analysts are betting Jokic’s triple-double streak and Cup tournament matchups nightly.
