The Denver Nuggets travel to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Portland Trail Blazers for Game 3 of this series. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Nuggets-Blazers prediction and pick.

Nikola Jokic led the way for his team on Monday night and plans to do the same on Thursday. They had the Trail Blazers scrambling in Game 2 with excellent defense, which should play into the next game of this series.

Outside of Damian Lillard, Portland didn't really come to play in Game 2. Turning the ball over 21 times destroyed their chances of going up 2-0 in the series. Look for the Trail Blazers to control the ball better in Game 3.

Here's how the sportsbooks have set the Nuggets-Blazers odds.

NBA Playoffs Odds: Nuggets-Blazers Game 3

Denver Nuggets +3.5 (-108)

Portland Trail Blazers -3.5 (-112)

Over 227 (-110)

Under 227 (-110)

Why the Nuggets could cover the spread

Even with Jamal Murray out of the lineup, the Nuggets are still one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. Jokic dominated the last game after securing 38 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. The game plan should be to get him involved as early as possible.

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Playing through their superstar center, Denver thrived in their last game. The defensive switch to put Aaron Gordon on Lillard seemed to cool him off in the second half, which allowed the Nuggets to pull away. They'll likely follow a similar defensive game plan as they attempt to go 2-1 in the series.

Why the Blazers could cover the spread

When you have Damian Lillard on your team you'll always have a chance. His three-point shooting is top-notch and he can score at will. For Portland to at least cover the spread, they'll have to cut down their turnovers. Game 2 got out of hand due to the lack of ball security, so look for that to be a point of concern on Thursday night.

Additionally, Portland has to find a way to get Lillard separated away from Aaron Gordon. Giving their superstar point guard open looks will only benefit the team as a whole. On top of that, Jusuf Nurkic has to be more of a threat in the paint, especially on offense. If he can do that, then Portland can tire out Jokic, or better yet, put him into foul trouble.

Final Nuggets-Blazers Game 3 Prediction & Pick

This series is going to come down to the wire as these teams match up well together. If Portland can create a plan to get Lillard away from Aaron Gordon, then Denver could be in for a long night. However, if Nurkic can't stay on the floor and be an offensive threat, then Jokic is going to do whatever he wants like in Game 2.

The Trail Blazers are playing at home which is one of the tougher places to play as an opposing team. Although the crowd will be limited, they should still be rocking the arena. Look for Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum to get hot in this one while they feed off the energy of the crowd.

FINAL PICK: Trail Blazers win 115-113