Three weeks ago, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers for two games seemed like sure wins for the Denver Nuggets. However, the Trail Blazers’ recent surge has made this week more challenging for the 2023 NBA champions.
Trail Blazers’ Situation:
Portland has won 10 of its last 12 games since January 18, moving closer to 10th place in the Western Conference. The Trail Blazers were 13-28 after losing five games in a row but have turned things around quickly. They won four straight, lost to Oklahoma City, and then reeled off six straight wins, including two against Phoenix and victories over Milwaukee and Sacramento. The streak ended in Minnesota on Saturday night.
Anfernee Simons, who leads the team with 18.5 points per game, has been a key contributor. Portland has seven players averaging double figures, including Shaedon Sharpe (17.3), Jerami Grant (14.7), Deandre Ayton and Deni Avdija (both 14.5), Scoot Henderson (12.5), and Toumani Camara (10.1).
Robert Williams III, averaging 5.7 points and 5.9 rebounds, didn’t play in the second half of Saturday night’s game due to a knee injury. His status for Monday has not been announced.
Nuggets’ Situation:
Denver has been playing well since their loss to the Blazers, going 20-8 to move into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference. The Nuggets have won a season-high six in a row despite not having Russell Westbrook (hamstring) and Peyton Watson (right knee sprain) for the last four games. Jamal Murray (left knee inflammation), Aaron Gordon (right calf management), and Michael Porter Jr. have also missed games during the streak.
Westbrook and Watson will not play Monday, and Porter, who sat out Saturday night’s win at Phoenix with hamstring tightness, is a game-time decision.
Nikola Jokic has been dominant during the winning streak, recording three triple-doubles and three double-doubles. Denver is 14-3 in the last 17 games he has played. Jokic is third in the NBA in scoring (29.6 points), second in assists (10.3), and tied for third in rebounds (12.7), leading the Nuggets in each of those categories. He is also averaging 1.8 steals, tied for fourth in the league.
Jamal Murray (20.4 points), Michael Porter Jr. (19.0), and Christian Braun (14.7) are next in scoring for Denver.
