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

Matchup #4 – CJ McCollum and Facundo Campazzo

Although he had an injury during the just-completed regular season, McCollum still had a career year for the Blazers, achieving career highs in two-point percentage, made threes, points per game, and assists.

His change in shot profile to include more three-pointers the last few years, shows just how great of a shooter CJ is. Very few players can increase their attempts without their efficiency being impacted. CJ’s game is actually more suited for the playoffs because of his ability to get a bucket when the game slows down.

His wide range of shot-making skills and offensive package make him a nightmare to guard, especially when you consider that the opposing teams best defender is already guarding his teammate Lillard.

CJ will need a massive series to show how good of a playoff player he is. Against the Nuggets weaker defense, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Facundo Campazzo is a name that many NBA fans probably haven’t heard of. As a 30-year-old rookie, the Argentinian has that passing presence that gives the Nuggets extra play-making.

Campazzo is a smart player who may not be the strongest man defender at just five-foot-eleven, but he jumps passing lanes to disrupt the offense. He obviously hasn’t played an NBA playoff game, but his experience at the international level will be key for a team that doesn’t have a massive amount of experience.

Campazzo’s shooting will also be key as they look to maximize the amount of space around Jokic.

He will likely have a minimal impact compared to McCollum, but he can still be a key player by performing his role at a high level in the series.

This first-round should be huge on all fronts, and these key matchups will go a long way to deciding the outcome.