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The Denver Nuggets head to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers in the fourth game of this best-of-seven series. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Nuggets-Blazers prediction and pick.
Portland took the crucial first game of the series and stole home-court advantage from Denver. The Nuggets bounced back with victories in Games 2 and 3 and have since regained control. Denver has championship aspirations this season and if they can win Game 4, they can slowly start to shift their focus toward the next series.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Nuggets-Blazers odds.
NBA Odds: Nuggets-Blazers Odds
Denver Nuggets +4.5 (-105)
Portland Trail Blazers -4.5 (-115)
Over 227 Points (-112)
Under 227 Points (-108)
Why The Nuggets Could Cover The Spread
The Denver Nuggets have high aspirations following their run to the Western Conference Finals last season. The Nuggets have only improved the roster in 2021 and are now in a great position to get back and hopefully get over the hump. They fell in the first game to a talented Blazers team and had to make adjustments to get back into the series. With MVP-favorite Nikola Jokic, Denver is certainly capable of adapting to any style of play. The point-center is a walking triple-double that excels in all facets of the game.
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Jokic delivered a double-double with 36 points and 11 rebounds in the Game 3 victory. He connected on seven 3-pointers and delivered five assists as well. The all-around performance is exactly what the Nuggets needed to regain control. Portland is able to shoot at a high rate, which can demoralize clubs and force them to push the pace and get out of their comfort zone. Austin Rivers, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon played well down the stretch and the depth will really be what plays the difference when it's all said and done.
Why The Blazers Could Cover The Spread
The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the most electrifying clubs in the league this season. Damian Lillard, Norman Powell, and CJ McCollum make up one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Lillard and McCollum have continued their dominance in the postseason with elite performances. Dame dropped 37 points including five made three's in the Game 3 loss. Efficiency was an issue for the point guard and Lillard will look to play a cleaner game for his club in Game 4. McCollum added 22 points, nine boards, and three assists in a solid all-around performance.
Norman Powell was a crucial pickup for the Blazers at the deadline as he adds depth to the backcourt they so desperately needed. Powell had another great performance in Game 3 with 18 points on 8-14 shooting from the field. The key for this club going forward will be the play of the frontcourt. Against Nikola Jokic, it'll be up to Carmelo Anthony and Jusuf Nurkic to man the middle and control the paint. Nurkic has been solid but needs to provide more stability down low if Portland hopes to pull off the upset and move on.
Final Nuggets-Blazers Prediction & Pick
The Denver Nuggets have regained control of this series and seem to be in the driver's seat going into Game 4. The Nuggets took the first game in Portland and it'll be up to Dame to salvage their share of home-court advantage. I do believe that Dame and crew will be able to keep it close with a chance to win late, but I don't see them being a whole five points better than the Nuggets. Denver is playing too well and has been the better team on the defensive end of the floor. Jokic will have his club playing well and it'll be the Nuggets that cover this tight spread in Game 4.
FINAL PICK: Denver Nuggets +4.5 (-105)
