Free NBA Pick: Nuggets vs. Blazers NBA Odds
Looking for Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Nuggets taking on the Blazers on Thursday, May 27th, 2021, at the Moda Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Nuggets Blazers matchup.
2021 NBA Playoffs Handicapping Round 1
(1-1) Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers (1-1)
Date: Thursday, May 27th
Time: 10:30 PM EST
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
NBA Moneyline Odds: Nuggets +158 | Blazers -166
NBA Betting Odds: Blazers -4
NBA Betting Total: 227.5
Thursday, May 27th the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers meet for the third time in their first-round series. Denver tied things up via a win on Monday with the teams traveling to Portland where they’ll play the next two games.
The Blazers won the opening match 123-109 in a match that was far closer than the final score indicates while the Nuggets won the second contest 128-109.
Through the early games, this series has been arguably the most entertaining and competitive of the opening round and still feels like it will go the distance.
Denver Nuggets
In Game 1, the Blazers’ game plan was to force Nikola Jokic into being the primary scorer, not double-team him so he couldn’t utilize one of his best assets – – to create for his teammates.
It worked with the likely MVP dishing only a single dime although he produced on the boards with 16 rebounds and scored 34 points.
In Game 2, the Blazers weren’t able to replicate that success as Jokic led Denver with 38 points collecting eight rebounds, five assists, and a steal.
The five assists aren’t indicative of Jokic’s effect because he often initiates the first pass leading to the assist (or hockey assist).
Four of the five starters reached double-figures with Austin Rivers scoring nine points and two reserves also collecting double-digit scores.
Having Monte Morris back healthy is a plus for Denver as he helps with playmaking (seven assists). Coach Michael Malone stated that Will Barton will hopefully be back for one of the matches in Portland. His presence will provide another scorer and that should open the court for Jokic and Michael Porter Jr.
Will Barton (right hamstring strain), is questionable while PJ Dozier (right adductor strain) remains out. Jamal Murray (torn ACL) lost for the season.
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard kept Portland in Game 2 going off from the perimeter scoring nine 3-pointers in all with eight in the first half. He finished with 42 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Jusuf Nurkic who had a great Game 1 wasn’t as dominate in Game 2, although he was strong on the glass with 13 boards.
Portland’s guards were the only ones who found any scoring production with CJ McCollum scoring 21 and Norman Powell adding 15 points. The next highest scorer was Nurkic with seven.
Of the 10 other Blazers who saw time on the floor, they scored between five and no points. Carmelo Anthony who was strong in Game 1 couldn’t find success in Game 2 (5 points).
Zach Collins (left ankle stress fracture rehabilitation) is out.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Nuggets are 6-4 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
- The Blazers are 6-4 ATS in the last 10 head to head meetings
- Over/Under is 5-5 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
Free Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA Prediction:
The best adjustment made in Game 2 was moving the taller Aaron Gordon onto Damian Lillard who went on 3-point shooting spurts to keep Portland in the match in the first half.
Lillard scored 31 points in the first half but with Gordon defending him, he was limited to 10 points in the second half and only a single 3-pointer after dropping eight treys in the front side of the match.
Look for Malone to use the same strategy again if (or when) Lillard heats up in Portland.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Nuggets +4
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