The Denver Nuggets (37-19) travel to the Portland Trailblazers (15-39) for a Friday night showdown. despite the record, the traveling team needs to get back on track. Even though they won last night, it was against a poor Washington Wizards team. Before that, however, they were on a three-game losing streak heading into the All-Star Break.
Meanwhile, the hosts are on a six-game losing streak. Therefore, upsetting the defending champs would be quite a feat. But this remains unlikely. However, teams can surprise you on any given night. In reality, they are due for a win.
But do you see the significant underdogs surprising anyone tonight?
Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trailblazers Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Denver Nuggets | -8 -110 |
O 215.5 -112 |
-345 |
| Portland Trailblazers | +8 -110 |
U 215.5 -108 |
+275 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Denver Nuggets @ Portland Trailblazers
Date And Time: February 23, 2024 @ 10:00 p.m. EST
Location: Moda Center in Portland, Oregon
Key Stats
Denver Nuggets (Averages)
Points: 114.2
Points Allowed: 110.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.6/89.0 for 49.0%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.4/31.1 for 36.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 15.6/20.6 for 75.6%
Rebounds: 11.1 Offensive, 33.3 Defensive, 44.4 Combined
Assists: 28.9
Steals: 6.8
Blocks: 5.4
Turnovers: 11.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.8/87.4 for 46.7%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.5/31.4 for 36.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.7/22.6 for 78.2%
Rebounds Against: 10.6 Offensive, 31.3 Defensive, 44.2 Combined
Denver hopes to look better since their slight dip from before the All-Star Break. Although there isn’t a need to hit the panic button quite yet. Nikola Jokic looks to play a real basketball game so he should be roaring to go. Additionally, Jamal Murray needs to be a consistent scorer for the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, he’s out today. Moreover, they expect more consistency from both Aaron Gordan and Michael Porter Jr. night in and night out. But they rank in the top ten in scoring defense. Therefore most nights they should be in ball games, even if the offense can’t get going.
February 22nd, 2024
Washington Wizards at Denver NuggetsNikola Jokic highlights:
*Perfect Triple Double*21 Pts, 19 Reb, 15 Asst, 1 Stl
1.000 FG%, +23 https://://t.co/8jAZFORprP pic.twitter.com/fcFht2JMFj— Joe Sakic Fan (@Devilito02) February 23, 2024
Portland Trailblazers (Averages)
Points: 107.9
Points Allowed: 116.7
Field Goal Efficiency: 39.2/89.3 for 44.0%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.8/33.4 for 35.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.6/22.1 for 79.6%
Rebounds: 11.9 Offensive, 29.5 Defensive, 41.4 Combined
Assists: 22.6
Steals: 7.7
Blocks: 4.6
Turnovers: 14.1
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 43.1/87.3 for 49.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.5/33.2 for 34.7%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 19.0/23.8 for 79.8%
Rebounds Against: 10.9 Offensive, 33.6 Defensive, 44.5 Combined
Portland needs help. Despite being a once-annual playoff contender, they are closer to grabbing the first pick than anything else. But Jerami Grant remains the lone option to give this team enough of a boost to stay in games. It remains difficult to see where else enough scoring or defensive playmaking can come from to compete against the Denver Nuggets. However, if someone else, along with Grant has a career night, it’s possible anything can happen on a Friday in the NBA.
Game Prediction
This game likely does not end close, even if the aforementioned miracle happens. Regardless, the Denver Nuggets should and are expected to take care of business. Moreover, the perimeter and small forward matchups in particular favor the visitors. While Grant may be able to get himself going, Jokic is too much. Additionally, Gordan and Porter Jr. should be able to negate a lot of Grant’s impact when switched on to him. Therefore, I am sticking the Denver Nuggets against the spread and I am going with the under.
Final Pick
Denver Nuggets -8 and Under 215.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
