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- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: March 21, 2025
- Who: Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
- Time: 7:10 p.m. EST
- Where: Moda Center (Portland, OR)
We’re excited about another exciting NBA basketball lineup as the weekend approaches.
Today, we’ll focus on the matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers. Denver comes into this game with a record of 44-26, while Portland has a record of 31-39 for the season.
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The Denver Nuggets have once again showcased a strong season. They are currently in the hunt for a top seed in the Western Conference and another NBA championship, holding a record of 44-26.
They have performed well on the road, posting a 21-15 record, but have struggled somewhat within the Northwest Division, with a 7-6 mark.
However, the Nuggets have faced challenges recently, losing four out of their last seven games, mainly due to a series of injuries. Nikola Jokic, regarded as the best player in the world, will unfortunately be sidelined for this game.
Game Preview (Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers)
Meanwhile, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are both listed as game-time decisions; Murray was close to returning against the Lakers in their last outing.
| Spread |  |  |  |
| Denver Nuggets +1 Point | -115 | -110 | -110 |
| Portland Trail Blazers -1 Point | -105 | -110 | -110 |
The absence of Jokic is a significant blow, and the situation could become even more challenging if Murray and Gordon cannot play. Murray has been having a solid season, averaging 21.5 points and 6.1 assists per game, both of which rank second on the team.
The Portland Trailblazers have experienced a season filled with ups and downs, leaning more towards the downs, having secured only 31 wins out of 70 games.
However, they have shown flashes of brilliance recently, entering this matchup on a three-game winning streak, highlighted by a notable victory against Memphis in their last game.
QUEUE HIS MUSIC 👋 pic.twitter.com/yIfChyZFUv
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 20, 2025
Portland has performed significantly better at home than on the road, boasting one of the largest home-road splits in the league, with a record of 19-16 in their home games this season.
Anfernee Simons has again stood out as the team’s top player this year, averaging just under 20 points and 5 assists per game. His scoring has seen a slight dip of 3 points per game compared to last season, as the team has aimed to distribute the scoring load more evenly.
This has also reduced his minutes and field goal attempts. However, March has been a standout month for Simons, as he has pumped up his scoring to over 25 points per game and has scored 30+ points in three of his last six performances.
I’m taking the Blazers to win and cover this small spread in this one.
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Total Points
While the Nuggets have had a successful run this season, their defense has been a concern.
| Total Points | | | |
| Over 225.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 225.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
The Nuggets rank near the bottom in the league for points allowed, giving up an average of 116.8 points per game, which ties them for the worst defensive record among teams currently in playoff contention.
Defensively, the Trailblazers sit in the league’s middle tier, allowing 114 points per game this season. Yet, they have tightened their defensive efforts recently, surrendering only 99.3 points per game during their current three-game winning streak.
Air Gordon cleared for TAKEOFF 🚀 pic.twitter.com/gcsfMVZ7ze
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 20, 2025
I’m taking under the 222.5 total for Friday night’s game between Denver and Portland. The Trailblazers have been a fairly average defensive team throughout the season.
Still, they’ve tightened up on defense during this current three-game stretch, allowing only 99.3 points per game and not exceeding 102 points in any of those matchups.
None of those games surpassed a total of 223 points either. While Denver has struggled defensively this season, they also lack offensive firepower for this game.
Nikola Jokic is out, and both Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are uncertain for game time. It could be close, but I believe the under will come through.
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