Streaking Trail Blazers Face Red-Hot Nuggets in Denver

Just a few weeks ago, a two-game set in Denver looked like an easy challenge for the defending champion Nuggets. But with the Portland Trail Blazers surging, this week’s matchups just got a whole lot tougher.

Portland, winners of 10 of its last 12, will test its newfound momentum against a Denver team on a six-game win streak when the teams clash Monday night. They’ll meet again Wednesday in what could be a battle for momentum in the Western Conference playoff race.

Blazers’ Big Turnaround

Portland looked down and out at 13-28 after a five-game losing streak, but they’ve flipped the script. Since January 18, the Blazers have beaten Phoenix twice and taken down Milwaukee and Sacramento, proving they’re a team on the rise.

Key to the resurgence is a balanced offensive attack:

• Anfernee Simons: 18.5 PPG
• Shaedon Sharpe: 17.3 PPG
• Jerami Grant: 14.7 PPG
• Deandre Ayton & Deni Avdija: 14.5 PPG each
• Scoot Henderson: 12.5 PPG
• Toumani Camara: 10.1 PPG

Simons led Portland to an earlier 112-110 win over Denver on Dec. 19, sealing the game with a buzzer-beating layup.

But Portland might be without big man Robert Williams III, who left Saturday’s loss to Minnesota with a knee injury. His status for Monday remains uncertain.

“We just felt like playing him anymore wouldn’t be healthy,” coach Chauncey Billups said.

Denver Finding Championship Form

The Nuggets are 20-8 since their last loss to Portland, climbing to the No. 3 spot in the West. They’ve done so despite injuries to key players, including:

• Russell Westbrook (hamstring) – Out for four straight games
• Peyton Watson (knee sprain) – Out four straight games
• Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring) – Questionable for Monday
• Jamal Murray & Aaron Gordon – Missed a game each during the streak

Despite the injuries, Nikola Jokic has been unstoppable, carrying the Nuggets to six straight wins with three triple-doubles and three double-doubles.

Jokic’s MVP-Level Numbers:

• 29.6 PPG (3rd in NBA)
• 12.7 RPG (T-3rd in NBA)
• 10.3 APG (2nd in NBA)
• 1.8 SPG (4th in NBA)

Denver is also getting key contributions from:

• Jamal Murray: 20.4 PPG
• Michael Porter Jr.: 19.0 PPG (Questionable)
• Christian Braun: 14.7 PPG

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Can Portland Shock Denver Again?

The Nuggets are 14-3 in their last 17 games with Jokic, but the Blazers have been one of the league’s hottest teams. Monday’s matchup could be a playoff preview between a contender and a rising challenger.

• Game Time: Monday, 9:00 PM ET
• Location: Ball Arena, Denver

Can Portland keep rolling, or will Denver extend its winning streak?