Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers 2/23/24 – As the Denver Nuggets (36-19) prepare to face off against the Portland Trail Blazers (15-39) on a crisp February evening, the stakes are high for both teams, albeit for different reasons. The Nuggets, boasting a strong record, aim to solidify their standing in the Western Conference, while the Trail Blazers look to salvage their season with an upset. This matchup, set to unfold at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, has garnered significant attention from fans and bettors alike, with many turning to top-tier online sportsbooks for the latest odds and insights.
| When: | Friday, February 23, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Moda Center at the Rose Quarter |
| TV: | ROOT Sports NW |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Great to be back 🗣
Sleep tight, Wuggets Wation 💤 pic.twitter.com/Em4ao4lNeU
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 23, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuggets | -9.5 -110 | o217.5 -110 | -440 |  |
| Trail Blazers | +9.5 -110 | u217.5 -110 | +360 | |
| ||||
Nikola Jokic (C) vs. Anfernee Simons (SG)
Nikola Jokic comes into this matchup averaging a triple-double for the Nuggets this season. In 53 games played (all starts), he’s averaging 33.8 minutes, putting up 26.1 points, 12 rebounds and 8.9 assists. He’s also providing strong defensive numbers with 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks along with solid shooting efficiency. His 3 assist-to-2.9 turnover ratio demonstrates his court vision and playmaking abilities.
Meanwhile, Anfernee Simons has taken a major step forward for the Trail Blazers in his 31 starts so far. Playing 33.5 minutes per game, he’s scoring 22.9 points while contributing 5.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds. His shooting splits are decent though could improve, as evidenced by his 2 assist-to-2.6 turnover rate. He lacks size and length defensively, averaging only 0.5 steals and 0.1 blocks.
This individual matchup clearly favors Jokic, who holds significant positional and size advantages over Simons. His scoring prowess, rebounding and distribution skills will test Portland’s young shooting guard on both ends. For the Trail Blazers to have a chance, Simons must channel another efficient scoring outburst while limiting turnovers against Denver’s stingy defense. Still, over the course of the game expect Jokic and the Nuggets to capitalize on this mismatch.
Nuggets’ Statistical Insights
The Denver Nuggets have enjoyed an efficient and balanced offense this season, scoring an average of 113.9 points per game on offense and ranking first in field goal percentage (48.9%) among league teams. Their road performance against the spread (10-18) indicates potential vulnerabilities away from home that bettors must consider before placing wagers on them.
Trail Blazers’ Tactical Analysis
Though their record may indicate otherwise, the Portland Trail Blazers have proven resilient and competitive by scoring and free-throw accuracy (79.6%). Their ability to draw fouls and convert at the line could prove essential in keeping games close; however, their defensive struggles and high turnover rate (14.1 per game) often thwarted these efforts, exposing areas which need improvement for them to overcome Denver Nuggets.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, bettors are keenly awaiting updates from sportsbooks. Given the Nuggets’ strong record and the Trail Blazers’ struggles, Denver is likely to enter the game as favorites. However, the unpredictability of NBA games, especially with potential upsets, makes this matchup an intriguing prospect for bettors.
Trends
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
Nuggets are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Denver Nuggets are 1-4 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Nuggets are 10-18 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Nuggets’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 10 of Nuggets’ 26 last games at home.
Portland Trail Blazers Betting Trends
Trail Blazers are 0-5 in their last 5 games.
Portland Trail Blazers are 1-4 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Trail Blazers are 14-14 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Trail Blazers’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 12 of Trail Blazers’ 26 last games at home.
Injuries
Denver Nuggets
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope SG Is upgraded to probable Thursday vs Washington, Hamstring
Jamal Murray PG Is upgraded to probable Thursday vs Washington, Tibia
Vlatko Cancar SF Is out indefinitely, Knee
Hunter Tyson PF Is downgraded to OUT Thursday vs Washington, Finger
Julian Strawther SF Is upgraded to probable Thursday vs Washington, Ankle
Portland Trail Blazers
Malcolm Brogdon PG Is out indefinitely, Illness
Robert Williams PF Is out for season, Knee
Moses Brown C Is out indefinitely, Wrist
Shaedon Sharpe PF Is out indefinitely, Groin
Scoot Henderson PG Is OUT Friday vs Denver, Hip
Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Picks
Considering the data and trends, the Nuggets, with their superior record and offensive firepower, are the safer bet. However, the Trail Blazers have the potential to cover the spread, especially with Simons leading the charge and the game being on their home court. Bettors should keep an eye on the spread and the over/under as the game approaches, as these could offer the best value.
In terms of NBA latest picks today, while the Nuggets are favored to win, the Trail Blazers’ ability to cover the spread cannot be overlooked. Prop bets involving key player performances, especially Jokic’s rebounds and assists and Simons’ points, could also offer attractive options for bettors. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Nuggets 115, Trail Blazers 108.
