Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail-Blazers: Playoffs?!

Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) shoots the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) shoots the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (left) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (left) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets are behind in their race for the playoffs, as the biggest game of the season arrives.

This is the contest where they will meet the Portland Trail-Blazers in Oregon, with both teams making a playoff push. The Nuggets originally held a one-game lead over Portland, but with their embarrassing loss to New Orleans and a Blazers win over L.A., (big surprise there) they are now tied. Portland currently holds the tiebreaker in almost every single way, so this is a must-win for Denver.

With a loss in Portland, Denver’s playoff aspirations will become futile. Almost everything they worked towards this year will be for nothing if they can’t get a big win on the road.

What will the Nuggets need to do to escape with a win? Will they take control of their own destiny, or fall even farther away from the coveted playoffs? Let’s get started.