Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 24/05/2021, 08:15  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 24/05/2021 at 09:15 in Basketball Predictions

The Denver Nuggets are playing catch-up in this Western Conference first round match against the Portland Trail Blazers. Denver are the third seeds, with their opponents sixth with the winners of this best-of-seven match facing either the Phoenix Suns or LA Lakers in the semi-final. Denver need to win four of the remaining six matches to get through to that semi-final, so will be desperate to get a win in this match. It was a tough opening game though as despite having home court advantage, Denver lost 123-109.  They lost the first quarter by five points but battled back to lead by three points after the second.

Then came a dramatic third quarter that saw Porland win it 38-25 with another four point win in the final to give them that 14 point victory. Denver need to work out how to turn that around and get back level in this first round match. Damian Lillard scored 34 points for Portland in that opening match, Denver have to keep him under control in this second game. Denver's Nikola Jokic also scored 34 points but only one other player scored more than 16 for the Nuggets, that has to improve if Denver want to draw level. The Nuggets do have a few injury problems at present and the tip is for Portland to get another win.