The Nuggets will take on the Blazers in a must win game.
The Denver Nuggets will have an opportunity to turn their fortunes around as they battle the division rival Portland Trail Blazers. Denver has been in a downward spiral ever since they lost to the Philadelphia 76ers at home a few weeks back.
Since then, they have dropped many games to lottery teams which has set them out of the playoff picture. However, they will be at home to make a statement against the Trail Blazers and start making a push to get back in the playoff picture.
Nikola Jokic is coming off a great game where he had a double double and will be going up against the former Nugget, Jusuf Nurkic, who has aggravated many Denver fans with his comments ever since the trade.
To say these two teams do not like each other would be an understatement. Ever since last year, these teams have developed a rivalry which has became one of the best in the league despite being overlooked.
The Blazers are also in a heated playoff battle for one of the spots between eight and five in the Western Conference. A loss in Denver would set them back a notch while the Nuggets could start slowly climbing back into the picture.
Jamal Murray will be an X factor in this match up as he will have to slow down Damian Lillard. A task which is much easier said than done. However, Murray has plenty of offensive potential as well. If Jamal can have a decent game, then the Nuggets will be in great shape and have a better chance at defeating their division rival.
Next: Nuggets vs. Blazers: Match up to watch
This game may be the one which showcases who the Nuggets truly are and will be the one test which proves if they deserve a playoff spot or not.