Nugg Love
Fansided

Denver Nuggets: Ranking Denver’s playoff opponents

By Chris Bolin

DENVER, CO - MARCH 12: Gary Harris #14 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets react to a play during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 12, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MARCH 12: Gary Harris #14 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets react to a play during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 12, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 10
Next
(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers

Nuggets Record vs. Trail Blazers: 2-0

The Nuggets have fared well so far against the Blazers — but a late-season home-and-home will have a lot to say about how the season series plays out.

The two wins the Nuggets haven’t been blowouts. They’ve won the two by a total of four points.

But there’s generally a good feeling about the Nuggets chances. And as unfortunate as the Jusuf Nurkic injury was, it makes the Blazers a more manageable matchup for every playoff team — and the Nuggets are no different.

Nurkic was having a breakthrough season, averaging 15.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. And without him the Blazers aren’t exactly light on players — but more so light on talent.

They will have to rely on some combination of Enes Kanter, Zach Collins and Meyers Leonard. Kanter has replaced him in the starting lineup, but Meyers Leonard has probably been the main benefactor — finding his way back into the rotation after basically falling out of it completely.

But, the Blazers have won two of three so far without Nurkic — granted the two wins came against the Bulls and Hawks.

Also, it is worth noting that C.J. McCollum hasn’t played since March 16 with a knee injury — and there’s no guarantee he will return before the playoffs.

Anything McCollum can give will be more than appreciated by the Blazers, but it’s tough to return from a month-plus absence in such a high-pressure situation.

Home/Nuggets News