Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Predictions March 21st 2025

Trail Blazers Look to Continue Uphill Climb Against Nuggets

The Portland Trail Blazers (31-39) are pushing hard to make the NBA Playoffs, and every game counts as they fight to secure a Western Conference play-in spot. Friday night’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets (44-26) at the Moda Center is another pivotal opportunity for Portland to climb up the standings.

Despite their uphill climb, the Trail Blazers have gained some ground recently, going 3-1 on a seven-game homestand. They now sit just two games behind both the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks for the final play-in position in the Western Conference. With just 12 games remaining, the pressure is on for Portland to deliver consistent performances and rack up critical wins.

Adding to the Trail Blazers’ optimism, their opponent will be without key stars. The Denver Nuggets are dealing with injuries to three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic (left ankle), who will miss his third consecutive game. Additionally, guard Jamal Murray (right ankle) has missed the past two contests and remains questionable for Friday night. This leaves Denver vulnerable and presents Portland with a golden opportunity to capitalize and narrow the gap.

Trail Blazers Finding Defensive Rhythm

Portland’s most recent victory, a solid 115-99 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, showcased their newfound commitment to defense. The Blazers were electric on the defensive end, forcing Memphis to miss 20 of its first 21 shots in the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies managed just five points in the first 11 minutes of the final period, scoring another five in garbage time when the game was out of reach.

“It shows that we’ve been really guarding after the All-Star break,” said guard Anfernee Simons. “And we’ve been connecting on that end and also the offensive end, too.”

Portland’s ability to dominate the boards was another critical factor. The Trail Blazers out-rebounded Memphis by a staggering margin of 65-40. Coach Chauncey Billups emphasized how controlling the glass was instrumental in creating a cushion for the team.

“We had a huge, huge night on the glass,” Billups said. “… To me, that was where the game started and allowed us to kind of get a cushion.”

One of the biggest standouts in the Memphis game was forward Deni Avdija, who delivered a career night with 31 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists. Avdija matched his season high on the boards and nailed five 3-pointers, giving the Blazers the offensive boost they needed.

“Deni, he was incredible in that first half,” Billups said. “He really was. Just the force that he plays with. It has you on your heels.”

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Nuggets Battle Injuries and Inconsistency

The Denver Nuggets have been on a rollercoaster lately, struggling to maintain consistency as they deal with significant injuries. Their recent 120-108 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday marked their seventh loss in the past 14 games. With Jokic and Murray out, the team has turned to forward Aaron Gordon, who has stepped up with strong performances in consecutive games.

Gordon scored 38 points in a 114-105 road victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday and followed it up with 26 points and 11 rebounds against the Lakers. Despite dealing with ankle and calf injuries, Gordon is listed as probable and is expected to be a key player once again.

Coach Michael Malone acknowledged the mental and physical toll Gordon has been enduring, especially considering the loss of his older brother Drew Gordon last May in a vehicle accident.

“I’ve had some great conversations with AG throughout the season and everything he’s dealing with as a young man in this world,” Malone said. “He is the most unselfish and selfless player in the NBA and I just have nothing but love and respect for Aaron Gordon and the journey he’s on.”

Betting Insights and Odds

The Trail Blazers will look to exploit the Nuggets’ injury struggles as they push for a crucial win. Denver holds a 2-1 advantage in the season series, having won nine of the past 10 meetings. However, with Jokic and Murray absent, this game presents a unique opportunity for Portland to even the series.

• NBA Odds Page: Check for the latest betting lines and trends for this Western Conference showdown.
• Expert Betting Guide: Consider the Trail Blazers as a solid pick given the Nuggets’ injury concerns and Portland’s recent defensive improvements.
• Pacific Division Standings: Monitor the race for the NBA Playoffs and the fight for the final play-in spots.
• Western Conference Updates: Get the latest standings and see how this matchup impacts the postseason picture.
• NBA MVP Race: Track how injuries to top players like Jokic impact their MVP chances.

Key Players to Watch

Portland Trail Blazers:

• Anfernee Simons: Continues to be a reliable scorer and defensive presence, contributing on both ends of the court.
• Deni Avdija: Hot hand from beyond the arc and a double-double machine, giving Portland a dynamic offensive threat.
• Jerami Grant: An essential two-way player who can lock down on defense while contributing to the scoreboard.

Denver Nuggets:

• Aaron Gordon: Expected to carry the load again with Jokic and Murray sidelined.
• Michael Porter Jr.: Capable of getting hot from deep and providing scoring bursts when needed.
• Bruce Brown: A versatile guard who can impact both ends of the floor.

Final Thoughts

The Trail Blazers are fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive and can’t afford to miss this golden opportunity against a shorthanded Nuggets squad. A win would not only inch them closer to the play-in tournament but also build momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season.

For the Nuggets, maintaining their position in the Western Conference without Jokic and Murray is a tall task. Denver will need key contributions from Gordon and Porter Jr. to stay competitive.

Will the Blazers take advantage of Denver’s injury woes and make their uphill climb a little easier, or will the Nuggets’ resilience prove too much to overcome?