The Denver Nuggets head into the match at full strength: Cameron Johnson has returned from an ankle injury, while Christian Braun scored a career-high 31 points in the win over the Phoenix Suns (127:120), making 7 of his 9 three-point attempts. The Portland Trail Blazers, meanwhile, have lost their key point guard: Ja Morant suffered a hamstring strain and has been ruled out for at least four weeks.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets finally have their full starting five available. Cameron Johnson's return from a right ankle injury gives David Adelman depth on the perimeter, while the partnership between Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic remains one of the most dangerous in the league. The biggest surprise of the early season has been Christian Braun, who capitalised on the defensive attention given to Jokic and Murray to produce the best game of his career — 31 points. The Nuggets have traditionally dominated the Portland Trail Blazers at home — 12 consecutive wins at the Ball Arena, along with three straight routs (157:103, 128:112, 137:132).
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers opened with three consecutive wins, but then lost to the Memphis Grizzlies (103:124), a game in which Ja Morant suffered his injury. In his absence, the backcourt burden falls on Scoot Henderson and Damian Lillard. Henderson was promoted to the starting line-up and performed well against the Utah Jazz (112:90), combining with Lillard for 66 points. However, the Trail Blazers face serious problems in the paint against Nikola Jokic: Donovan Clingan often struggles against elite centres, and their frontcourt depth is limited. The Trail Blazers began their road trip with a win over the Jazz (112:90), but the Denver Nuggets represent an entirely different level of opposition.
Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction
The Denver Nuggets are in an ideal position: a fully fit squad, home court and an in-form Christian Braun. Without Ja Morant, the Portland Trail Blazers lose their main creative force, while their interior defence is ill-equipped to battle Nikola Jokic. The head-to-head record at the Ball Arena speaks for itself: 12 consecutive Nuggets wins, with last season's three games producing a combined margin of +69 points. The Nuggets are expected to exploit the visitors' weakness under the basket and secure a comfortable win.
