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Trail Blazers have a lot to prove in crucial game against the Denver Nuggets

By Austin Carroll

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 23: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball against Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter during their season opener at Moda Center on October 23, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 23: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball against Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter during their season opener at Moda Center on October 23, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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With 8 of their next 10 games coming against subpar teams, the Portland Trail Blazers have an opportunity to steal a win against a real contender in Denver.

Winners in seven of their last eight regular season meetings, the Denver Nuggets seem to have cast a spell on the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Rip City proved they can break the curse when it really matters in the 2019 NBA Playoffs, so let’s hope history can repeat itself again tonight.

Now may have been the best time possible to play a contender like Denver, considering they have lost five of their last six while Nikola Jokic has not been having the MVP caliber season many expected from him entering the year.

Though Portland will have to overcome a serious lack of depth after losing three starters to long-term injuries, tonight’s game should be a complete toss-up.

Here’s how you can watch the game and how you can expect things to shake out.

Follow the Action

  • Date: Thursday, December 12, 2019
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
  • Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
  • Watch: TNT, Fubo.tv
  • Listen: Rip City Radio 620

Game Odds

  • Favorites: Nuggets (-6.5)
  • Over/under: 214
  • Moneyline: +235 Portland/- 255 Denver

Gambling odds and information courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Thursday at 7:00 a.m. PT.

Projected Starting Lineups and Injury Report

Portland Trail Blazers (10-15)

Denver Nuggets (14-8)

Staff Predictions

"“The Nuggets are a great river to the Blazers in the West. In this matchup though the Blazers will come through with the win in a close road game.” — Cozens"

"“Denver is a difficult place to go, even with Jokic’s current struggles. I think Denver edges us here.” — Gaskin"

"“Nuggets aren’t looking their best right now — I see us being able to pull an upset versus them.” — Kahn"

"“This is a huge chance for the Blazers to prove to themselves, as well as national audiences, that they are going to be a tough team that surely will be in the playoff hunt come April despite a shaky start.  Unfortunately, this game will end in a Blazer loss.  If Jamal Murray is ruled out, things could change but the Nuggets are the better team.” — Zahnd"

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