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2019-20 Matchup preview: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets

By Austin Carroll

DENVER, CO - MAY 12: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket for dunk against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MAY 12: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket for dunk against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets are one of the NBA’s most quickly growing rivalries, here’s what to expect from these two teams in the 2019-20 season.

In a year where the Western Conference is possibly more competitive than it has ever been, the Portland Trail Blazers have a lot on their plate if they want to finally get a taste of the Larry O’Brien Trophy. But before they stop to consider any new challengers, they must first prepare to face an old foe.

Recent History

  • Most recent playoff meeting: 2019 WC Semi-Finals, Portland won in 7 games
  • Last year head-to-head: (1-3)
  • Last decade head-to-head: (22-17)

After dominating the early 2010’s, the Blazers have seen one of their division rivals sprout back up from the grave to provide a highly competitive series in recent years. Although Denver has won 7 of their last 10 regular season meetings, Portland put the Nuggets back in their place by defeating the upstart team in the 2019 NBA Playoffs. Yet again, these two should be poised for another closely contested season series this time around.

Key Matchups

If there’s one thing these two players can relate to each other on, it’s that they’re tired of being slept on. After skipping college and declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft, many scouts around the league gave up on the formerly highly touted prospect Simons, which is how he ended up in Portland at No. 24 overall. Morris on the hand, fell all the way to the late second round in the 2017 NBA Draft. Both players have overcome their draft day perceptions and this battle of backup point guards could ultimately be what decides the fate between two hyper-competitive rosters.

This has been the must-see individual matchup whenever these two teams meet for several years now. As a former Denver Nugget himself, Nurkic always has a chip on his shoulder whenever he plays against the team that traded him away. Although Jusuf’s lingering injury and recovery process will dampen the excitement of this feud a little this year, I have no doubt both players will save the fireworks for when it matters most at the end of the year. This will be quality television you won’t want to miss.

What to Expect

With both squads set to contend for a championship, this rivalry could spark to a higher level this year. And you should be happy about it! After Oklahoma City imploded from the inside and shipped out Russell Westbrook and Paul George, there has been a void for a genuine rivalry in the Northwest Division.

Having a true nemesis can often be a necessary evil in order to get the most out of each player on the team. Whenever the Blazers come together on the practice court, overcoming this specific team helps inspire and motivate the team to push even harder than they knew possible.

Next. Why Pau Gasol should retire with Portland. dark

The Denver Nuggets can (and should) become that team and fill the hole in the Blazers’ hearts. Considering the fact that Denver is one of the youngest teams in the league and Portland has locked down Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum to big extensions, this rivalry isn’t going away anytime soon. The battles these two teams share over the course of the next few years will surely encompass feelings of triumph and heartbreak for both sides.