Check out our free Trail Blazers vs Nuggets pick and preview for this NBA game in Denver. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets
- Where: Denver at Ball Arena
- Date: Tuesday, January 17th
- Betting Odds DEN -7, POR +228 | DEN -282 O/U 234.5
So far, the Trail Blazers have put together an overall record of 21-22, while going 24-19-0 vs the spread. Over the team’s 2 game win streak, they have an average scoring differential of 17.0 points per game.
In their previous game, the Trail Blazers took down the Mavericks by a score of 140-123. Not only did they come away with a straight up win, but they also covered the spread as 9 point favorites. Portland put together a strong second half, as they only held a 7 point lead going into halftime. Leading the team in scoring was Damian Lillard, as he contributed 40 points while hitting 58.8% of his shots.
The Nuggets come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 30-13. So far, the team has gone 22-20-1 against the spread. The Nuggets entered today’s game having picked up 6 straight wins. This has come on an average scoring differential of 16.83 points per game.
The Nuggets are coming off a 119-116 win over the Magic. Although they came away with a straight up win, it was not enough to cover the spread as they entered as 11 point favorites. Although Denver ended up winning the game, they allowed the Magic to make things interesting down the stretch. Heading into the second half, the team led by 15 points before squeaking out a 3 point win. In the win, Aaron Gordon led the team in scoring with 25 points on a field goal percentage of 69.2%.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
I Similar to their season-long average, the Trail Blazers averaged 103.5 points per game vs the Nuggets. On the other side, Denver saw an improvement in their scoring numbers when playing the Trail Blazers, as they averaged 122.0 points per game in these matchups. In terms of betting, Denver has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous 5 matchups vs Portland. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +11 points per game in favor of the Nuggets. A combined average of 235 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 3-2.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
This season, the Portland offense is ranked 17th in the NBA in scoring at 113.3 points per game. The Trail Blazers come into the game as one of the league’s better 3-point shooting teams, connecting at a rate of 12.6 made 3’s per game. Despite shooting the ball well from outside, Portland has not done a good job taking care of the ball. So far, they are averaging 14.7 turnovers per game.
Currently, the Trail Blazers defense is ranked 27th in points allowed. So far, opposing teams are averaging 115.11 points per game vs the unit.
This season, the Trail Blazers offense has primarily worked through Anfernee Simons and Damian Lillard who are 1st and 2nd on the team in scoring. In his 41 games, Simons is 33rd in the NBA at 21.9 points per game. So far, him and Lillard have accounted for 44% of the team’s field goal attempts while combining to average 50.7 points per contest. In addition to sitting 2nd on the team in scoring, Damian Lillard is grabbing 3.9 rebounds for Portland to go along with 7.1 assists.
Coming into today’s action, Denver is averaging 117.0 points per contest. This figure places them 7th in the league. The Nuggets come into the game as one of the league’s better 3-point shooting teams, connecting at a rate of 12.3 made 3’s per game. If the Nuggets offense is going to improve, they could look to play at a faster tempo, as they currently average just 98.3 possession per game. This could benefit the team as they are currently one of the better 3-point shooting units in the NBA.
Against the Trail Blazers, the Nuggets will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 14th in points allowed.
Center Nikola Jokic currently leads the Nuggets at 24.7 points per game. For the season, he is 37th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 17.5% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Jokic is averaging 10.9 boards and 9.8 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 18th ranked defense at defending centers. Jamal Murray enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 36 games, he is averaging 18.6 and is 92nd in the league in player efficiency rating.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Trail Blazers +7
- Free Total Prediction: Over 234.5
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