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Portland Trail Blazers: 4 key matchups in playoff series v Denver Nuggets

By Stevie Cozens

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 24: Carmelo Anthony #00, Derrick Jones Jr. #55 and Robert Covington #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers react in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Moda Center on January 24, 2021 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 - JANUARY 24: Carmelo Anthony #00, Derrick Jones Jr. #55 and Robert Covington #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers react in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Moda Center on January 24, 2021 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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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Matchup #2 – Damian Lillard and Austin Rivers

Though this isn’t a marquee matchup like the battle of the European centers, Austin Rivers is now a key rotation piece for the Nuggets. He won’t match Damien Lillard offensively, but if Rivers can have one strong game where he can play good defense on Lillard and keep him to 20 points or so, this could really influence the series.

Without the injured Murray, and wing Will Barton still missing, Rivers is the Blazers best guard. Rookie Facundo Campazzo has impressed this year, but he has never played in the playoffs, and lacks the physical tools to defend Lillard.

If Rivers can knock down his threes and not let Lillard average 30 plus a game, then he will have done his job.

For Lillard, after limping out of last year’s playoffs after a brutal year for the Blazers, he is set to show he is a top-five player in the league.

After a lower minutes total this year, and a shortened season, Dame is set for a massive series.

Austin Rivers isn’t a premium defensive guard, so Dame should have his way against him. Dame’s shot-making and exciting drive game are made for the post-season.

Fans can look forward to the fact that the new Dame hasn’t been seen in the playoffs. Dame is at a new level in 2020 and 2021, and this is the first time we will see him healthy and with a healthy team around him, playing at this new level.

Dame is almost certain to have some huge games in the playoffs; this is the biggest moment in his career since making the Western Conference finals two years ago.

I do not doubt that Dame will have a huge series.